The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) has finally taken a step to address the issue of food security by suspending the sale of livestock from government farms.

It has been known for some time that the government stock was open to exploitation through thefts. The loss was being borne by the taxpayers. Nothing is free. If the government brings in livestock, it pays with the money that belongs to the people. When someone steals livestock from government facilities, they are stealing from the people.

The temporary suspension of livestock sales is for government farms at Vaea, Togitogiga, Lemafa and Tanugamalala livestock. 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.

This move by the MAF is to enhance livestock development in Samoa.

While this should have been done a long time ago, it is better late than never. After the livestock boom of the 1980s and 1990s, the industry was met with a decline. This has led to low-quality imported meat which in many cases has been one of the key reasons behind non-communicable diseases. It can be only assumed that the long-term sustainability and productivity were not thought through.

The Chief Executive Officer for MAF Dr Seuseu Tauati said this was also a commitment to strengthening and modernising government-owned farms and a comprehensive review and restructuring of its strategies were undertaken. The temporary suspension of livestock sales has been deemed necessary to facilitate these improvements.”

It is good to hear that MAF has partnered with designated livestock multipliers (private breeders) who will continue to supply livestock to farmers during the suspension period. MAF needs to ensure that this does not allow private breeders to exploit the prices.

The CEO noted key initiatives for livestock development including the implementation of artificial insemination technology to enhance breeding programs and the importation of superior livestock breeds from international sources. This is all good news. A science-backed strategy should have been adopted a long time ago.

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 optimise livestock feeding are part of the long-term plan to multiply livestock.

Hopefully, this strategic intervention addresses the current challenges of livestock shortages while laying the foundation for a more resilient and productive livestock sector. The MAF should be commended for taking this step.

For too long, people have been subjected to low-grade meat that does not fulfil the nutritional requirements and adds to the burden of lifestyle diseases for which the people are paying millions. This is the cost on the health system and the various overseas medical trips that have been undertaken.

Imagine a robust livestock industry that can supply the nation and people do not need to rely entirely on imported meat. There is also hope that one of the results of an improved livestock sector would be a reduction in meat prices. There is also a need to consider setting up a government-run abattoir that would allow for safe and healthy slaughter and proper disposal of waste products. 

Consideration should also be given towards incentives such as grants or loans that could see more people take up livestock farming. Maybe then, we could consider the importation to Pago Pago as the former agriculture minister once said, three years ago.

There is also a need for proper due process to be set in place to reduce the thefts from government farms. This is important.

We look forward to this initiative taking off and becoming a success and hopefully, there is a similar one for vegetables and local crops.