Game Farming/Ranching Trends

DEFINITION WILDLIFE RANCHING/FARMING For the purpose of this presentation, wildlife ranching/ game farming is defined as the management of game in a sizable game fenced system, with human intervention in the form of: the provision of water; the supplementation of food in periods of drought; the control of parasites; and the provision of health care.

POSITIONING THE GAME FARMING AS AN AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY Approximately 23,3% of all agricultural land in South Africa has a high production potential. Much of our agricultural land is semi-arid and marginal (not suitable for other agricultural activities) with 20 million ha under private game farming. Wildlife is more adapted to SA’s harsh climatic conditions than livestock.

NUMBER OF GAME FARMS PER PROVINCE

Game farming on Agricultural Land There are about 24 million head of game in South Africa. Some game numbers in 2015 (on private farms only): Rhino 18 960 Blesbok >250 000 Bontebok >8 000 Sable >5 000 Buffalo 60 000 Black Wildebeest >17 500 Roan >2 500 Cape Mountain Zebra 2 790

Economic contribution of private game farming Private Game ranches Contributions: More than R20 billion to RSA revenues/Fiscus. More than 617 287 decent jobs in tourism, 31 436 jobs in hunting (Limpopo, Free State and Northern Cape). Consumptive game use-Meat Export R400 million annually, Biltong (R6.3 billion, Trophy hunting R1,2 billion). Live sales and trade (R3,1 billion). Non Consumptive game use include: ecotourism, and recreation R100 billion per annum.

WILDLIFE - GAME FARMING LEGISLATIVE LANDSCAPE Game farming was recognized as an agricultural activity by the former Department of Agricultural Development in 1987. Game meat is recognized as agricultural product in terms of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, 1996 (Act No. 47 of 1996). A number of government departments administer legislation that have a indirect and direct impact on the sector Legislation should be mutually supportive

SOME IMPORTANT WILDLIFE LEGISLATION

Animal Improvement Act – game farming In 2016 DAFF added twelve wildlife species to the list of Game animals regulated to under Animal Improvement Act ,1998 (Act No. 62 of 1998) (AIA) Game farming production. Wildlife Producers Association (WPA), Registering Authority under the AIA was also registered in terms of AIA to represent game breeders societies: to ensure Genetic Purity and sustainable utilization; do research on feeding and nutrition; define and measure traits of economic importance; and study regulatory gaps on game as for food production.

Animal Disease and Health Game Meat Regulations Game Meat Regulations consultation concluded & to be finalised soon Focuses on food safety management and evaluation systems, Requirements for abattoirs & slaughter facilities, Game meat inspections Animal Health Production/ ranching in areas with animal diseases (e.g. FMD & TB) subject to movement controls to manage disease progression Animal Welfare legislation Ensure safety of animals

Operation Phakisa: Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform National Livestock Census and an Animal Identification and Traceability Programme Conduct a formal complete livestock census to be repeated every 5 years. Develop an interactive animal identification system using the available legal instruments (Animal Identification Act, Animal Improvement Act, Animal Improvement Policy, etc.), to implement an integrated national livestock data base for performance recording and traceability in order to improve animal husbandry, enable proper planning and decision making and allow for competitive market access. Enhanced Animal Health through Revolutionary Veterinary Services Revolutionise countrywide veterinary services capable of meeting the modern challenges of disease management and quality assurance through increasing the training of veterinary professionals, improving local production of animal health products and meaningful partnerships between all role players in the industry. Source and apply modern technology to empower service deliverers and to create a pro-active care approach.

Operation Phakisa: Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform Fortified Veld Management for Sustainable Livestock Production: Improve the productivity of natural veld through rehabilitation, proper management systems and the introduction of water efficient new or alternative fodder species. Develop and apply continuous monitoring, evaluation and assessment systems of veld conditions to ensure sustainability of good veld management practices. Make use of modern technology to effect same. To improve productivity of veld through rehabilitation, veld management practices and introduction of water efficient new or alternative fodder species. Continuous monitoring, evaluation and assessment of veld conditions to ensure sustainability of good veld management practices.

CONCLUDING REMARKS The Wildlife ranching/Game farming sector is one of the positive growing agricultural industries which generates much needed foreign value and interest, create sustainable jobs, provide food, revitalize declining vigor in rural areas and contribute towards sustainable natural resources management. Sustainable development of the sector will depend largely on the ability of the responsible departments to work together as a team to provide the necessary legal and logistical support towards the growth of sector. Game farming is a niche for South Africa that has potential to grow several folds.