Butchery Skills and Biosecurity Exchange to Strengthen Samoa’s Meat Sector

Apia, Samoa – 07 May 2025 – The Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), has launched a targeted initiative to strengthen Samoa’s meat sector through the introduction of a Butchery Skills and Biosecurity Exchange Program in Australia.

The initiative aims to enhance meat processing standards, reduce wastage and contamination risks, and improve the overall quality and competitiveness of locally produced meat.

The livestock industry, particularly the cattle sector, remains a cornerstone of Samoa’s agricultural economy. However, productivity continues to be hampered by challenges such as limited meat processing techniques, inconsistent product quality, and a shortage of skilled butchers. Additionally, identifying cattle breeds best suited to Samoa’s tropical conditions remains a priority for long-term sustainability.

To address these constraints, a delegation of 15 participants is currently on a one-week capacity-building program in Brisbane, Australia. The delegation includes two MAF officers, representatives from livestock associations, commercial and multiplier farmers, and members of the private sector butchery industry.

The one-week program will include knowledge exchange sessions with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), LiveCorp, AUS-MEAT & ABATTOIR LTD, and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), followed by a series of farm visits in Brisbane.

This study visit is a significant initiative under the Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity and Marketing (SAFPROM) Project funded by the World Bank. It was initially designed and approved under the Animal Production and Health Division (APHD) Staff Work Program, focusing on capacity building in meat inspection, regulatory systems, livestock health, and biosecurity.

However, in a strategic shift endorsed by MAF Executive Management, the opportunity has been extended to include a broader group of stakeholders, such as private sector representatives, importers, commercial livestock farmers, and butchery operators.

This is to ensure that those directly involved in livestock production and meat processing gain valuable firsthand insights and practical knowledge from Australian systems, technologies, and operational models.

This skills exchange initiative program aligns with MAF’s broader strategic objectives to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen market access, and promote the sustainable development of Samoa’s livestock sector.