South African company AskCarlaKote has secured a deal to export chicken feet to China, worth R300 million, creating around 3,000 new jobs and delivering 540 tonnes of chicken feet per month. The partnership between Wesgro, Standard Bank, and femaleled poultry farms in Western Cape and Mpumalanga provinces will revolutionize the South African poultry industry and provide a significant boost to the employment sector. Chicken feet make up 50% of China’s yearly chicken imports, and this deal indicates South Africa’s potential as a key exporter and a significant step towards enhanced economic integration between South Africa and China.
South Africa’s avian influenza crisis is exposing the vulnerability of the poultry industry, highlighting the need for transformative changes in food production systems. The crisis has resulted in the culling of 7.5 million chickens, emphasizing the risks posed by the mass production of confined animals. Experts call for a fundamental shift towards a diversified, resilient, and humane food system that is free from animal exploitation, encouraging the transition to a more plantbased food system. This change would benefit not only animal welfare but also the longterm sustainability and resilience of our food systems.
The Western Cape poultry industry is on high alert against avian influenza, following recent outbreaks in other South African provinces. Farmers are urged to take proactive measures to prevent the virus from being introduced by wild birds. The poultry sector is a significant contributor to South Africa’s agricultural economy, creating over 52,000 direct jobs in 2022. Combating avian influenza requires both passive and active surveillance, along with preventative strategies like disinfecting vehicles and isolating new birds. The industry can weather the storm by adhering to biosecurity measures and maintaining vigilance.