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Research and Development has always been considered as a matter of importance to the red meat industry.
Backgound
The Meat Industry Trust (MIT) was established in 1996, through the initiative of the Meat Board’s members. This was in preparation for the envisaged closing of the Meat Board in accordance with the amendment of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act no 47 of 1996.
The MIT is a perpetual discretionary Trust and accordingly is entitled to fund various objectives of interest to the red meat industry, such as the granting of bursaries for the purpose of furthering education relating to the red meat industry and to the benefit of the red meat industry in general, and also includes the promotion of livestock welfare.
The interest on the capital plus interest accrued over time is used annually, to support research projects of merit and other projects as approved by the Trust. This is documented in the MIT Trust’s Funding Principles.
The MIT is overseen by a Board of Trustees, three members are nominated by the Minister of Agriculture and three are 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 the granting of bursaries for the purpose of furthering education relating to and the benefit of the Red Meat Industry in general and also the the promotion of livestock welfare.
Purpose
- The Trustees can only fund matters within the objectives of the trust;
- Allocation of funds need to benefit the red meat industry in general;
- Allocation has to be limited within the context of perpetuity, i.e. funds cannot be depleted in such a manner that the continued viability of the Trust is at risk.
Objectives of Meat Industry Trust
Research Funding for Red Meat Improvement
Fund research to enhance the production, manufacturing, processing, storing, or marketing of red meat and support related producers.
Direct Research Project Funding
Fund specific projects such as predator control and studies on climate change’s impact on livestock farming.
Livestock Welfare Research
Fund research focused on improving livestock welfare.
Information Dissemination
Provide and distribute information relevant to the red meat industry.
Agricultural Assistance
Offer financial assistance to individuals or organizations that promote agricultural industries related to meat or share similar objectives with the trust.
Support for Emerging Farmers
Provide training, support, or financial assistance to emerging farmers to enhance their capacity and manage agricultural operations.
Post-Graduate Student Support
Provide financial support to post-graduate students in fields important to the red meat industry.
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
Dr. F.V. Nherera-Chokuda
Trustee
Mr. W. Clack
Trustee
Ms. U. Speirs
Trustee
Ms. D.S. Sekhoto
Trustee
Mr. D. Olivier
Trustee
Dr. Z.M. Qwallela
Chairperson
Trustees - 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.