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Research and Development have always been considered as a matter of importance to the red meat industry.
Background
The Meat Industry Trust (MIT) was established in 1996 by the members of the Meat Board. Its creation anticipated the closure of the Meat Board, as mandated by the amendment to the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act No. 47 of 1996.
The MIT operates as a perpetual discretionary trust and is authorised to fund a range of objectives relevant to the red meat industry. These include awarding bursaries to support education in the red meat sector, advancing the industry's overall interests, and promoting livestock welfare.
The annual interest generated from the Trust’s capital is allocated to support research projects of merit and other initiatives approved by the Trust. These funding practices are outlined in the MIT Trust’s Funding Principles.
The MIT is governed by a Board of Trustees, comprising three members nominated by the Minister of Agriculture and three nominated by the red meat industry.
Mission
The MIT is a discretionary Trust and is entitled to fund various objectives of interest to the Red Meat Industry, such as granting bursaries for further education relating to, and benefiting, the Red Meat Industry in general, as well as promoting livestock welfare.
Purpose
- The Trustees can only fund matters within the objectives of the trust;
- Allocation of funds needs to benefit the red meat industry in general;
- Allocation must be limited in perpetuity, i.e., funds cannot be depleted to the extent that the continued viability of the Trust is at risk.
Objectives
Research Funding for Red Meat Improvement
Fund research to enhance the production, manufacturing, processing, storing, or marketing of red meat and support related producers.
Livestock Welfare
Research
Fund research focused on improving livestock welfare.
Agricultural
Assistance
Offer financial assistance to individuals or organisations that promote agricultural industries related to meat or share similar objectives with the trust.
Post-Graduate Student Support
Provide financial support to post-graduate students in fields important to the red meat industry.
Direct Research Project Funding
Fund specific projects, such as predator control and studies on the impact of climate change on livestock farming.
Information
Dissemination
Provide and distribute information relevant to the red meat industry.
Support for Emerging Farmers
Provide training, support, or financial assistance to emerging farmers to enhance their capacity and manage agricultural operations.
Trustees’ Discretionary Funding
Trustees may allocate funds to benefit the red meat industry as they see fit within the trust’s legal framework.
MIT Trustees
Dedicated professionals are driving our objectives.
Dr. Z.M. Qwallela
Chairperson
Dr. F.V. Nherera-Chokuda
Trustee
Ms. U. Speirs
Trustee
Mr. D. Olivier
Trustee
Mr. W. Clack
Trustee
Ms. D.S. Sekhoto
Trustee
Roles
- Manage the financial affairs, including proper investment of funds;
- Approve the project budget as presented by the planning committees;
- Make funds available for the research projects to be conducted by the research institutions;
- Establishment and functioning of livestock improvement schemes, like the central performance testing stations for beef cattle and pigs;
- Improving research facilities at universities and the Meat Industry Centre at Irene;
- Execute numerous research projects, many leading to postgraduate qualifications of research personnel.