UPDATE: This is what we've achieved to this point. We raised $2800 USD through 32 donors to cover cost of shipping, supplies, and medications for artificial insemination (Thank you, donors!). This enabled more farmers to participate. 31 farmers came together to purchase: 78 Boer straws and 46 Nubian straws A smaller group of us who are also actively forming a Livestock Co-op have worked with vets in Dominica and the USA to arrange the importation of the straws, medications and supplies We found out that customs applies a VAT of 15%, in addition to other fees. (Surprise!) This is the last step ! We only need a little bit more to reach the finish line. Please help us reach the final goal. --- THE ORIGINAL FUNDRAISER: A group of farmers in The Commonwealth of Dominica is in the process of importing high-quality goat genetics (via artificial insemination) from overseas. Since shipments of this kind are difficult and costly to organize we are raising funds to purchase as many straws of semen as possible. These straws can last for years if properly stored, so this is our best opportunity to build up a strong goat breeding program for the island. Why is this important for Dominica's food security? Dominica is heavily reliant on meat and dairy imports and local production is not sufficient to replace them. This makes the country extremely vulnerable to supply shocks. Goats are one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to address this issue, however, there is a general shortage of goats on the island. The goats that are currently present are mostly small (often averaging 60-75lbs) and solid dairy breeds are nearly impossible to find. International regulations, costs, and logistics make it very difficult for individual farmers to improve their herds. Award-winning goat breeder Sam Golding of Gold Mine Boers has offered to provide the Dominica farmers group with some of the best Nubian (milk goat) and Boers (meat goat) genetics in the world at a steep discount. This specific line of Boers Sam is working with consistently produces bucks over 300 pounds, and the Nubian line is of consistently productive milkers. Farmers who receive these specimens through this fundraiser will be asked to participate in a follow-up breeding program to ensure that the genetics reach as many herds as possible. This importation initiative is supported by the Dominican Veterinary Unit and Livestock Farm, which has the necessary equipment for storage and has agreed to manage and distribute the straws to the individual farmers. Funds received will go towards the fixed costs of supplies and shipping, which will reduce the price for all the farmers. Additional funds will go towards buying as many straws as possible. We will be publishing a summary of the fundraiser, as well as quarterly progress reports providing results of the breeding program for one year. Please consider donating $75 or more (the price of a breeding straw), but every little bit counts. Donations close August 15 to enable us to meet the order deadline. This fundraiser is being organized by: Robin Bobo Hawkins of Cochrane – WhatsApp +1-767-285-2299 Samantha Consulting by Dr. Lugay
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