The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways has opened applications for its 2025–2026 Goat Shed Assistance program, aimed at helping small and medium-scale goat farmers upgrade facilities with new sheds valued at 9,000. Under the scheme, the government will cover two-thirds of the cost, while farmers will contribute the remaining one-third.
Eligibility to apply
– Secure leased land with at least 10 acres of grazing area
– Own between 50 and 70 goats
– Have at least three years of goat farming experience
– For farmers on communal land, provide written consent from the Yavusa, Mataqali, or Tokatoka, endorsed by the Roko Tui
Applications can be submitted online via the Ministry’s platform at https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/MSsBmt91.
Rationale and context
This program aligns with the ministry’s broader goal of boosting livestock productivity and empowering rural communities. It continues Fiji’s recent emphasis on diversification and value addition in agriculture. For example, recent initiatives have supported goat farming through targeted investments, such as a farmer receiving $24,000 for shed materials to sustain a stock of about 150 goats, illustrating how government funding can scale up production and enable farmers to diversify beyond traditional crops.
The push to strengthen livestock infrastructure also mirrors other government efforts to provide essential tools and fencing, training, and cooperative development across rural areas, all aimed at improving food security and local livelihoods. In parallel with these livestock-focused programs, the government has highlighted the importance of using idle land more productively and expanding income streams through value-added farming.
Positive outlook
The Goat Shed Assistance program offers a pathway for capable goat farmers to expand operations, improve animal welfare, and increase productivity. When combined with ongoing support for training, fencing, and equipment across the sector, it contributes to a more resilient rural economy and greater self-reliance in meat and dairy production.
What this means for farmers
– A financial boost to upgrade infrastructure without bearing the full cost
– Clear eligibility criteria that align with medium-scale goat farming operations
– A straightforward online application process
Summary
The 2025–2026 Goat Shed Assistance program represents a notable step in Fiji’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the livestock sector and rural livelihoods. By sharing most of the shed cost and requiring farmers to meet defined criteria, the program supports sustainable growth, product diversification, and greater food security for rural communities.
Additional comments
– Farmers should prepare documentation showing land lease, goat counts (50–70), and years of experience, and, for communal land, the appropriate consent and endorsements.
– Prospective applicants may benefit from reviewing related programs that have funded shed materials, fencing, and other livestock infrastructure to better plan expansion and potential partnerships.
– This coordinated approach across goat farming, beef, and dairy initiatives signals a hopeful trajectory for Fiji’s agricultural sector and community development.
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