Interviewed by Moneyweb, Baird described VAT-free chicken as a “vital kick-starter” for low-income households, and for the growth of the poultry industry, a national asset that should be supported.
He pointed to the need for affordable meat protein for low-income households, illustrated by the fact that 27% of South African children under the age of 5 were stunted as a result of malnutrition.
“It [VAT-free chicken] would probably be the lowest-cost social programme for low-income households. It’s also a low-cost job creator because that will automatically happen as the market grows.”
Expanded local production would result in economies of scale and therefore cheaper chicken for consumers, Baird said. Increased exports would also enable producers to keep down the prices in local markets.
“The bigger the local industry, the lower the cost to consumers.”
