MWLR researchers are working on two projects funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affair and Trade, Managing Invasive Species for Climate Change Adaption in the Pacific, and Improving Productivity of the Beef Industry in Vanuatu.
The first steps for this project involve planning for the imminent arrival of two natural enemies for pasture weeds coming from Australia, the nail grass psyllid (Heteropsylla spinulosa) and parthenium beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata).
Vanuatu’s beef sector has prospered. Production is growing steadily: self-sufficiency has been achieved; exports are increasing; investment in production and processing activities has occurred; and the smallholder (village) sector has made a significant and rising contribution to this expansion. Every effort is being taking to ensure this economic earner is not jeopardised by invasive weeds.
Cattle, Vanuatu
