Six islands have been selected for the National Cattle Restocking Program, set to begin in 2026, with a target of increasing the national cattle population to 150,000 over the next five years.
Director of Livestock, Lonny Bong, confirmed to VBTC News earlier this week that the program will work with 10 serious farmers on each island. The selected islands are Vanualava, Maewo, Santo, Malekula, Efate and Erromango.
“We will start with 10 serious farmers and then see how it goes,” Mr Bong said.
He explained that the new target of 150,000 cattle is necessary as the country is unable to reach its long-term goal of a 500,000 cattle population.
Mr Bong said the industry has growth potential, noting that most cattle currently slaughtered are veal, as farmers respond to rising prices. However, veal cattle are usually slaughtered within 12 months.
He said the department will work with farmers to ensure their cattle are supplied to abattoirs and enter the formal market.
This week, Minister for Livestock, Ian Wilson, signed the appointment of the Livestock Standard Management Committee.
“These committees are crucial as they will guide the development of livestock legislation in the years ahead,” Mr Bong said.
Representatives have been appointed from Torba, Penama, Sanma, Malampa, Shefa and Tafea provinces. The committee has about 10 members, with its first meeting scheduled for January.
Launched in 2015, the National Cattle Restocking Program involves the government purchasing cattle herds and distributing them to small farmers across key islands. The program is implemented by the Department of Livestock with funding from the European Development Fund (EDF 11).
Mr Bong acknowledged that the program is behind schedule in meeting its targets due to infrastructure gaps, land issues, pasture management challenges, environmental factors, natural disasters and insufficient support.
He said the Island Focus Program is expected to deliver more direct impacts to the provinces.
“In the past we worked with less than 300 farmers,” Mr Bong said, adding that many lacked interest or knowledge in cattle farming.
Despite the challenges, Mr Bong remains confident that participating farmers will do a good job.
