Fiji Livestock Sector Strategy 2016.

The Livestock Sector Strategy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The goals of this Strategy are: (I) sustainable growth, expansion and diversification of the livestock sector; (II) promotion of innovation within the sector; (III) close public-private collaboration amongst stakeholders; (IV) development of the livestock sector to meet the needs of the present and future generations; and (V) maximization the economic return of the livestock sector in Fiji’s economy.
The livestock sector will be developed to ensure its contribution to economic growth and food security. To this end, local livestock food chains in remote areas will be strengthened. Smallholders will be promoted to ensure food security at the household level.
This policy sets out strategies for providing livelihood opportunity for youth and women. Incentives will be provided to livestock farmers and agribusinesses to employ youth. Rural youth organizations will be strengthened to promote youth engagement in the livestock sector. In order to develop skills and competencies of rural youth and women, rural training institutions will be strengthened. The role of women will be developed in the livestock industry. Furthermore, access to land and finance resources for youth and women will be facilitated.
The regulatory framework will be developed to improve quality, safety and animal welfare standards compliance; improve quality assurance in the feed industry; promote modern animal health products and veterinary medicines and their safe and effective use; and strengthen protection from dumping, unfair competition and biosecurity risk. The livestock industries will be improved by strengthening the meat and livestock industry representative organization and institutionalizing industry consultation in policy, regulation, planning, implementation, and research prioritization. Institutional capacity building will be enhanced for effective management and planning of the livestock sector. In order to promote innovation in the livestock sector, R&D capacity will be strengthened. The facilities will be upgraded for improved quality and safety management. The business environment will be secured through strengthened value chain linkages. Infrastructure will be developed to meet the requirements of the modern and competitive markets. R&D capacity will be strengthened to develop commercial value chains for local feed resources and agribusiness products, as well as, to promote stress tolerant breeds and feed resources. Good practices will be extended in the livestock sector through promotion of organic practices for livestock and market-preferred certification options.
Disaster monitoring and preparedness measures will be taken for improved resilience and risk management. Farm planning and management, rangeland management and veterinary services will be strengthened to mitigate the impacts of disasters on the livestock sector. Moreover, the use of biogas and other effluent management systems will be promoted. The regional dairy industry will be developed in compliance with environmental standards for environmental security.
The Livestock Strategy Implementation Secretariat and Implementation Committee will be established to be responsible for monitoring of the implementation of this Strategy.