More than 100 members of the Namibia National Farmers’ Union (NNFU) have gathered at Otjiwarongo to discuss the union’s new five-year strategic plan and review policies.

NNFU board member, Patricia Gurubes who officiated at the event, said the five-day meeting is expected to interrogate several key policies in the amended constitution governing the farmers’ union.

“A total of 104 delegate members, meaning eight members from the 13 regions where we are represented, will be attending the meeting,” Gurubes said adding that Khomas is not represented as it is not a member of the NNFU.

Governor James Uerikua in his remarks called on all farmers present to deliberate on the topics of economic farming in the northern communal areas so that farmers from there can contribute to food security in Namibia.

“Discuss during the meeting how a communal farmer can sell their livestock directly to the slaughtering institutions at a good price without going through a middleman. Farmers from the northern communal area, also see to it that you produce quality livestock in order for you to be competitive on the market,” he advised.

Uerikua discouraged NNFU members from exporting livestock on the hoof as this means they are in effect exporting employment instead of selling their livestock to Meatco.

He expressed confidence in Meatco’s future plans, saying it just needs support from farmers for it to revive its business model.

The meeting ends Friday.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency