FDIDI
The five-year Fiji Dairy Industry Development Initiative (FDIDI) improved the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the Fiji dairy industry by addressing the shortage of fresh milk in the local market and improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers.
FDIDI got underway in 2015, with the implementation of a programme of activities drawing on knowledge and experience of New Zealand dairy farming systems, complemented by Fijian knowledge and expertise. Funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme, the initiative was implemented by Prime Consulting International in partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture, Fiji Cooperative Dairy Company Limited and Fiji Dairy Limited.
DAIRY INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP GROUP
The Dairy Industry Leadership Group (DILG) was formed, with the support of the Fiji Dairy Industry Development Initiative, to provide holistic leadership across the dairy industry.
Membership comprises senior management from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fiji Cooperative Dairy Company Limited (representing farmers) and Fiji Dairy Limited (Fiji's major dairy processor), along with coopted technical advisors.
The DILG has developed an overall Strategy to guide the development of the Fiji dairy industry and provides oversight on its implementation.
National Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy), Levels 2-4
The National Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy) qualification was developed with support from the Fiji Dairy Industry Development Initiative.
For more information about the qualification, please enquire at Navuso Agricultural Technical Institute (NATI), where the certificate is being taught.
BoviBase
BoviBase is an industry database developed under the Fiji Dairy Industry Development Initiative that allows real-time tracking of milk production and quality in Fiji, as well as supporting ongoing cattle disease control.
The database is used by Fiji Cooperative Dairy Company Limited (FCDCL) and Fiji Dairy Limited (FDL) for recording and invoicing/payment of milk purchases.
IMAGE GALLERY
Access the FDIDI image gallery here.
Resource ARCHIVE
Milk Code of Practice
The purpose of the Milk Code of Practice was to highlight the responsibilities of each partner in the Fiji diary chain, as they prepare products for consumers – from farmers and dairy cooperatives through to Milk Collection Centres (MCCs) and processors. All partners are obliged, ultimately by legislation and regulations, to produce milk of the highest possible quality. This is to keep Fiji consumers and visitors safe and ensure they can have faith in the milk products produced in the country.
► Access the document here.
DairyNotes
The practical farm advice guides or DairyNotes presented below were produced by members of the Dairy Extension Team in Fiji during the Fiji Dairy Industry Development Initiative, to inform their work in the field with farmers. They provide useful information for farmers who might want to adopt improved dairy practices on their farms and advisors working with farmers. FDIDI would like to acknowledge QCONZ, New Zealand consultant Mel Eden and DairyNZ for supplying some of the information and images contained in the DairyNote series.
Calf and Heifer Rearing
1.4: Pasteurisation of Colostrum
1.5: Economics of Calf Rearing
Feeding and Nutrition
2.3: Feeding the ‘Green Stuff’
Pasture and Water
3.1: Pasture Grazing Management
Breeding and Reproduction
Animal Health
5.2a: Mastitis Causes and Detection
5.2b: Mastitis Prevention and Treatment
Posters
P1: Use of CMR for Calf Rearing
P2: The Five Freedoms for Animals
P3: DIY Test for Mastitis Detection
TechNotes
FDIDI would like to acknowledge New Zealand company QCONZ and consultant Mel Eden for supplying some of the information and images contained in the TechNote series.
Fiji TechNote 1 - Dairy Farm Monthly Check (Milking Machines)
Fiji TechNote 2 – Instructions for Testing Milking Machines
Fiji TechNote 3 – Milking Machine Parts and their Function
Fiji TechNote 4 – Replacing a Skellerup Milk Pump Seal
Fiji TechNote 5 – The ‘New’ Tabu Soro Milker
