An AgResearch scientist says Waikato-based iwi have an opportunity to take part in dairy goat farming by using land not suited to dairy cows.
The dairy goat industry is small in New Zealand and is receiving scientific support to help it meet the rapidly growing demand for goat milk products.
There are currently about 60 farmers, mostly in Waikato, supplying the Dairy Goat Cooperative processing plant in Hamilton, which focusses on producing high quality infant formula exported to many markets.
The project leader, senior AgResearch scientist Dr Warren King, says some iwi-based groups interested in the industry have approached the Dairy Goat Co-operative.
He says barriers to entry will be researched then solutions provided that respect iwi and hapu values.
