adminCrocodile meat exports to the European market were expected to resume this month.
In a telephone interview from Binga, the farm’s managing director Mr John English said they were ready to resume exports to Belgium.
“We are waiting for various documentation and clearance before we resume the exports.
“There have been some slight delays in us getting export documentation before we can resume exporting crocodile meat. We are expecting to get the clearance papers any time soon otherwise we are ready to start exporting,” he said.
Binga Crocodile Farm has in the past exported the reptile’s meat to Singapore and other European markets.
The farm started exporting to Belgium in 2005 but the project was suspended a few years ago due to the high cost of running the programme.
As part of preparations to re-enter the foreign market, refurbishment of the farm’s infrastructure such as slaughter and cold rooms was recently completed.
The farm intends to resume the exports with at least three tonnes to Belgium because the market in that country was viable.
Progressively, Mr English said they would eye other foreign markets.
Five years ago, Binga Crocodile Farm embarked on a $1,5 million long-term expansion programme aimed at increasing crocodile meat and skin exports as well as increasing the reptile’s population at the farm from 20 000 to 60 000.
At the moment, the crocodile population at the farm is just above 32 000.
The programme was expected to improve export earnings from $550 000 to $2,5 million.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter