In 1979, Fiji’s dairy farmers faced significant challenges as reported at the Alliance Party’s annual convention, held at the Tradewinds in Suva. The convention revealed that farmers were producing excess milk but struggled to find buyers due to rising production costs. Nausori dairy farmer Dough Brown emphasized the dire state of the industry, stating that while 200 farmers owned the Rewa Dairy milk factory, the only beneficiaries appeared to be the factory’s employees.
Brown called for immediate government intervention, indicating that farmers were prepared to petition the government about their grievances. He noted that, though the price of milk had recently increased—with an additional two-cent hike planned—farmers were not seeing any of the profits, which were instead benefiting the dairy factory. This sentiment echoed previous complaints raised during the party’s 1978 convention, highlighting a long-standing tension between milk producers and the dairy processing facility.
The Minister for Commerce and Industry, Mohammed Ramzan, acknowledged the situation, stating that an inquiry into the relationship between the farmers and the milk factory was necessary. He raised the issue of a new milk collection and cooling center intended for Serea to assist 70 farmers but expressed concern that this might lead to reduced quotas for other farmers, exacerbating the crisis.
Mr. Brown voiced that the industry’s future was grim, as evidenced by his own production of 300 gallons of milk daily, from which the factory only accepted 95 gallons. He warned that if quotas were adjusted to accommodate new suppliers, the stability of the entire dairy industry could quickly collapse.
The backdrop of rising production costs since 1977 against stagnant earnings from milk sales paints a concerning picture for Fiji’s dairy sector.
In relation to ongoing discussions about Fiji’s agriculture sector, recent reports from Assistant Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna discussed the current struggles faced by dairy farmers, revealing that production now meets less than 50% of national demand. Key challenges include a tuberculosis outbreak among cows affecting herd numbers. This underscores a systemic issue in Fiji’s agricultural sector, highlighting a need for strategic intervention and support aimed at revitalizing both the dairy and broader agricultural industries.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism that through collaborative efforts and focused government initiatives, improvements can be made to stabilize and revitalize the dairy sector in Fiji, ultimately benefiting local farmers and the economy.
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