The Ministry of Agriculture is in the process of reassessing its service fees, as highlighted by Minister Tomasi Tunabuna, who pointed out that many rates—including land valuations, disease compensation, and various agricultural service charges—have not been adjusted for several years. This review is essential to ensure that the fees reflect current economic and environmental realities.
Minister Tunabuna emphasized the complexity of revising these fees, underscoring the need for expertise from agricultural economists and climate specialists. “We need agricultural economists who truly understand the nuances of agriculture and climate to determine the figures for the different rates that must be reviewed. It’s not a simple thing to do,” he stated.
Among the specific fees under review are the charges associated with abattoir operations, which the Minister described as intricate. He expressed concerns that the existing rates are inadequate to cover operational costs, which could hinder the abattoirs’ functionality. Nevertheless, there are fears that raising these fees could lead to increased instances of slaughtering outside of licensed facilities, thereby posing significant risks related to animal diseases.
Additionally, the review encompasses the lease valuations under the Agricultural Land Tenure Act (ALTA). Minister Tunabuna noted that both the emotional and economic ramifications of any changes are being thoroughly evaluated before final rates are established.
The Ministry aims to carry out consultations and technical evaluations to inform the process, ensuring the resulting fees are fair and sustainable for farmers and users of the services. This careful approach reflects the Ministry’s commitment to balancing the needs of the agricultural sector with the broader risk management that the current context demands.