Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) has suspended the sale of livestock from government farms as necessary measures to address the supply shortage.
The Samoa Observer reports that the temporary suspension of livestock sales is for government farms at Vaea, Togitogiga, Lemaga and Tanugamalala.
The sale of cattle will be suspended for three years effective May 2025 to May 2028, while sheep and pigs sale is on hold for a year from May 2025 to May 2026.
The ministry, through its Animal Production and Health Division, issued the notice to all livestock farmers and stakeholders this week in a strategic move at enhancing livestock development in Samoa.
“As part of its commitment to strengthening and modernizing government-owned farms, the Ministry has undertaken a comprehensive review and restructuring of its strategies to ensure long-term sustainability and productivity,” said the CEO for MAF Dr. Seuseu Tauati.
“Accordingly, the temporary suspension of livestock sales has been deemed necessary to facilitate these improvements.”
In the meantime, MAF has partnered with designated livestock multipliers (private breeders) who will continue to supply livestock to farmers during the suspension period.
The CEO noted key initiatives for livestock development that include the implementation of artificial insemination technology to enhance breeding programs and the importation of superior livestock breeds from international sources.
The Ministry is also looking at the introduction of high-quality foreign livestock breeds with robust genetics tailored for Samoa’s climate, and the development and enhancement of feed mills and animal nutrition programs.
Furthermore, research and cultivation of new pasture species to optimize livestock feeding is part of the long-term plan to multiply livestock.
During the Lemanu and Talauega administration, there were plans to import cattle from Samoa as part of initiatives to attain food security for the territory.
Photo: Samoa Observer.
