RMIS CEO Dewald Olivier Drives Livestock Traceability at AgriFund Connect Summit

One of the standout moments at the AgriFund Connect Summit was the presentation by Dewald Olivier, CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS). Olivier offered practical insights and a bold vision for livestock traceability, capturing the immediate interest of farmers across South Africa.

Following his address, farmers flocked during the tea break, eager to download the RMIS app and see the platform in action. Their enthusiasm reflected the industry’s strong demand for simple, affordable, and accessible livestock data solutions.

Olivier emphasized that South Africa is at a defining moment in the red meat industry. “Traceability is no longer a nice-to-have; it is now a requirement for global markets,” he stated. He explained that while knowledge has always existed, credible, shared information has been missing. RMIS addresses this gap by providing:

• Affordable solutions using visual identifiers and QR codes
• Farmer-friendly registration and updates, fully compliant with POPIA
• Transparent records of vaccinations, treatments, age, movements, and ownership
• End-to-end traceability from farm to buyer to abattoir

Olivier posed a critical question: “If I tell you my animals are vaccinated, premium and compliant, how can you believe me without proof?” RMIS provides that proof, converting data into verified records.

The system also generates automatic movement reports for provincial departments, ensuring compliance, protection, and faster approval processes. Olivier highlighted how this transparency positions South Africa to become globally competitive. International buyers in Brazil and Asia demand verifiable data before committing to large-scale purchases.

RMIS’s impact extends beyond compliance. Olivier outlined the platform’s potential to:

• Increase red meat exports from 4% to 20%
• Integrate emerging farmers into the commercial value chain
• Build credibility in markets requiring transparency
• Support negotiations with verified data

Olivier also discussed RMIS’s investment in rural communities. The organisation has supported 29 farmer facilities, invested R420 million in infrastructure, livestock, and operations, and prioritised breed improvement. The endowment fund will expand this impact, supporting clusters of 50 to 500 farmers, providing training, breed enhancement, and guidance to meet commercial and export standards.

He highlighted that by 2030, at least 250 000 market-ready cattle must come from the emerging sector alone. With RMIS, farmers can track and prove the quality of their livestock, removing guesswork from international negotiations.

The partnership with African Farming was central to RMIS’s presence at the summit. Olivier praised collaboration as essential to scaling impact and reaching more farmers. His willingness to engage directly, demonstrate the app, and answer questions showed the organisation’s commitment to supporting farmers’ growth and competitiveness.

Olivier concluded by reminding attendees that livestock represents pride, heritage, and livelihood. He emphasized that RMIS equips farmers to prove their animals meet international standards, bridging the gap between production and global markets.

The AgriFund Connect Summit highlighted a turning point for South Africa’s red meat sector. RMIS is not just a platform but a movement toward traceability, transparency, and growth. Under Olivier’s leadership, farmers now have the tools to thrive and access markets that demand verified, high-quality livestock.