Frans Bothma Auditorium, Dairy Building, ARC, Irene, Gauteng
AUCTION ON AFTERNOON OF 6 OCTOBER UNDER AUSPICES OF MILK GOAT BREEDERS SOCIETY
CONTACT
Rina Belcher - 082 377 5698
Mandy MacGregor - 083 453 6636
Click on any of the following to open the document:
|
Who & What is SAGS?
SAGS is closely related to the SA Milch Goats Breeders Society in that the latter identified the need to develop some form of standard regarding the purity of Goat’s Milk and any products manufactured there from.
Thus the S A Milch Goats Breeders Society have registered a Certification Mark verifying that any product that carries the Mark is made from 100% Goat’s Milk.
 |
Such Certification Mark is granted under license and contract to processors who can verify that: |
- the milk used is obtained from an animal that is at least 7/8 Swiss type Milch Goat as defined by the Breeder’s Society and
- no other milk type has been added in.
The Breeder’s Society is ostensibly there to assist with breeding matters and while many of its members are
also processors there are many processors who are not breeders and the need for a separate body to concern itself
with processing matters was identified. The huge increase in interest around the small stock dairy
industry intensified pressure to formalise what had become a loose group of like minded concerns.
Why are Sheep Milk Processors Included?
At preliminary discussion levels it was recognised that while the needs of bovine milk processors was well catered for that there was a need to look at the special needs of all small stock dairy processors. The latter would then include the few processors using dairy sheep’s milk as well. Further that, in one way or another, there was contact with processors in sub-Sahara regions and that any
organisation should perhaps be geographically more inclusive.
The planned organisation expanded into the Southern African Goat & Sheep (SAGS) Milk Processors Organisation.
The primary aim of SAGS is to promote and co-ordinate the interests of its members.
Its mission is to promote a sustainable and economically viable small stock (goat & sheep) dairy industry based on free market principles.
Its role will be to act as the co-ordinating body for the Southern African goat milk and sheep milk industry to
the benefit of all stakeholders in the value chain.
The initial tasks then are to:
- establish a forum through which to communicate;
- make available standards for both established and new (or aspirant) entrants;
- manage the Certification Mark (applicable to only goat’s milk at this stage)– the initial reason for the need of an organisation.
SAGS has in fact two roles. It has to serve both the Processors and the Consumers.
Processors
As Processors you are invited to become a Member of SAGS and enjoy the benefits that will grow over time.
Initially, Membership will immediately ensure the use of the Certification Mark – an important verification and marketing aid.
Also at you disposal is the Standards Guide extracted and prepared by SAGS from the Code of Practice laid down by the Dairy Standards Agency (DSA).
For aspirant Processors, immediate access to useful and important information to ensure that you are on the right course and remain there.
Important too is the fact that one is in contact with others in the same industry and there is much information to share.
Consumers
SAGS will only grant use of the Certification Mark to concerns known to use pure Goat’s milk and not milk blends (i.e. using bovine or other milk with Goat Milk).
For the benefit of you, the Consumer, all Processors who become members will be listed as such. There is sure to be someone in close proximity to where you are!
Much has been written about the efficacy and health benefits of Goat’s Milk and Sheep Milk and products made
from these. Proud as we are of our products, superior as we believe them to be - we will, for your and our sakes,
identify what is scientifically proven and what is believed/claimed.
Apart from the proven and claimed health benefits, products from these milk types are wonderful, varied and interesting. The fact that the milk is obtained from small-stock encourages smaller farmers and we have seen many artisanal cheese-makers enter the market.
The result is a myriad number of personalised brands, lovingly hand-crafted by passionate people for connoisseurs like you. The products are mostly sold at speciality stores, good cheese counters and Farmer’s/ Craft markets.
We trust that what our members create and make will become your Products of Preference.
|
