Our livestock industry stakeholders will gather in Nadi today to review and validate a draft livestock sector strategy for Fiji.

Around 50 stakeholders will be present including Government representatives, donors and partners at the Tanoa International Hotel from today till Friday.

The three-day meeting is being hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC)’s Land Resources Division with support from the European Union funded Pacific Agriculture Policy Project implemented by SPC.

The meeting is a joint collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Fiji Livestock Sector Strategy Working Group.

The proposed strategy will develop a clear plan for livestock development in the country.

This is given the challenges the sector faces including Fiji’s continued import imbalance for livestock products, the demands from the growing tourism industry, and a renewed national government push for the agriculture sector.

The draft document draws on discussions and issues highlighted at the National Livestock Stakeholder consultation held in May the past year.

This was to raise awareness on the changing landscape of livestock development in Fiji and develop a strategy to address the needs of the sector.

Aim of strategy

The Livestock Strategy is aimed at re-energising and modernising the livestock sector in Fiji.

This is to better meet the needs of the next generation in relation to production and consumption demands while also providing sustainable livelihoods for farmers.

It aims at promoting productivity, innovation, research and also utilizing the skills, resources and capacity of the private sector.

The strategy should also strengthen linkages to domestic, regional and international markets which are in line with Fiji’s National Agriculture Policy 2020.

Feedback:  rachnal@fijisun.com.fj