These features support trade amid the ongoing foot-and-mouth (FMD) outbreak. Producers can access these features through the free RMIS app (available on Google Play Store), which allows them to confirm vaccine delivery by scanning a product or QR code, record vaccinations, and manage livestock movement.

Since 2024, RMIS has focused on building a digital ecosystem that makes traceability work out in practice, not just in theory. The value is now seen on the ground.

Traceability to trade

Under current FMD conditions, commercial producers using the RMIS traceability platform already experience its value firsthand, as many buyers now require traceability to trade.

With an estimated 40% of South Africa’s cattle owned by small-scale farmers, RMIS is working to ensure all producers in the value chain can benefit from traceability. Full inclusion strengthens protection of the national herd during the FMD response and adds additional supply to the market.

About 40% of cattle in South Africa are owned by small-scale farmers. Photo: Louis Trichardt SPCA

RMIS has already ordered the first 130,000 Industry Traceability Tags (ITT) and secured an additional R7m in private funding to support the initial rollout.

The first 5,000 tags have already been dispatched, with further private funding being finalised to scale the programme to a total of 5-million tags.

RMIS has deployed 20 animal health technicians and four mobile processing units across provinces most affected by FMD, working in collaboration with provincial animal health departments to support the rollout.

Producers engaging with technicians in the field will be assigned a Global Location Number via the RMIS Traceability platform and access the free mobile app, after which their animals will be tagged and vaccinated.

By linking traceability, animal health, and digital access, RMIS is supporting a more coordinated industry that can respond under pressure while keeping trade operational. 

OFM Agri/Isabel van Tonder dg

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