Fiji’s Goat Milk Revolution: A Woman’s Vision for Agriculture

Beatrice Nast, the founder of ME Sovu Pte Ltd, has demonstrated remarkable perseverance over the past four years in advocating for goat milk production in Fiji. Creating the country’s first goat milk soap business from her home in Martintar, Nadi, Nast faced numerous challenges in persuading both local farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture to consider goat dairy as a viable industry.

Nast initially operated her business from her living room and converted her garage into a lab, all while she built connections with local farmers to create interest in goat farming. The breakthrough came when the Ministry of Agriculture recognized the potential for goat milk production and expressed intent to establish a new sector within Fiji’s agricultural landscape. This initiative includes efforts to support female farmers, as Nast herself began her journey as a woman entrepreneur.

With the introduction of milk goats into Fiji—where typically only meat goats are raised—the Ministry is now helping to establish farmer clusters. These clusters, which will primarily focus on empowering women, will receive resources such as milking machines, fencing, and training on goat care.

Nast envisions goat milk production as a significant opportunity for economic growth. She notes that, outside of Fiji, the goat milk industry is a multibillion-dollar market. While her soap products have opened doors, she believes that goat milk can lead to further innovations like cheese and baby formula suitable for those with allergies to traditional milk.

Continuing to receive daily inquiries about goat milk for consumption, Nast currently focuses on soap production while expressing hope that farmers will eventually benefit from a broader range of goat milk products.

Nast’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainable agriculture were recognized when she received the National Woman Value-Adding Entrepreneur award at the National Women in Agriculture Awards in March this year. Her story exemplifies resilience and hope, reflecting the exciting potential of Fijian products in both local and international markets. Through collaborative initiatives, local entrepreneurship can lead towards a promising future, fostering economic development and community empowerment.