To improve genetics and develop prime quality beef and dairy breeds in Fiji, Cabinet on Tuesday has approved a proposal from the Minister for Agriculture for an increase in the price for cattle with improved genetics.
Since 2017, the Ministry of Agriculture has embarked on a program to rear and develop prime quality beef (Senepol, Wagyu and Droughtmaster) and dairy (Brown Swiss) breeds.
These breeds have been sourced from Australia through the Australian Reproductive Technology Company; a company approved by the Fiji Government Major Tenders Board.
The program has identified the Senepol cattle for beef breeds having demonstrated several desirable commercial traits and is climate resilient while the Brown Swiss cattle has been identified for dairy, due to its high volume and quality milk production.
The current cattle sale prices have not been reviewed for decades, not on par with current market rates and are neither sustainable nor practical in the present market environment. In addition, the current sale price is far below the cost of production.
The new price recognises the genetic value and superior quality of cattle produced via Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) at agricultural stations.
