Audit Date For Exports Set

THE long-awaited European Union (EU) audit date for the South African Bloodstock Industry has been announced. Officials from the EU will be conducting the audit between 20 April and 1 May 2020.

The South African Equine Health & Protocols (SAEHP) confirmed today via MD Adrian Todd that the dates were finalised last Friday and said: “The South African Department of Agriculture were officially notified by the EU’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), the entity responsible for conducting audits.”

Todd (above) expressed his delight and commented: “We’ve been planning this for many years and the announcement is a culmination of our efforts.

“To have finally reached this stage is a potential watershed for South African breeding and racing. It wouldn’t have been possible without working hand in hand with the South African government, and we thank them.

Todd explained the logistics of the audit last month, saying: “Audits in any sector seldom return flawless results. Nobody ever gets a 100% clear report. There will be additional recommendations from the EU team after the audit. They will send a report and we will implement what they suggest.

“I am 100% confident that the audit will be successful for us. We have done everything we can, everything humanly possible, to comply with what is needed.”

The question everybody is asking is what is the timeline?

Todd explained, “ I would expect that once any additional recommendations have been implemented, we should be looking at the reinstatement of direct exports to the EU by September/October.”

-sportingpost.co.za