Following the first ever Royal Golden Guernsey Goat Symposium, which sought to bring together experts on the breed from across the globe, messages of support for the struggling breed are loud and clear – the species can survive in Guernsey, as long as they work together. 

However, those behind the symposium have also put a stark warning out that the necessary steps need to be completed within the next 12 months. 

The two day event brought together experts from across the UK and the United States, where the breed is doing extremely well. 

Lieutenant General Sir Richard Cripwell, Lieutenant-Governor of the Bailiwick of Guernsey said we all have a role in ensuring the native breed lives long in the Bailiwick: “The symposium has brought together the expertise, energy and shared purpose needed to give the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat a secure future. What happens next depends on our collective will to turn plans into action. 

“We all have a part to play if this distinctive golden breed is not only to survive, but also to thrive on the island.”

The symposium highlighted some important metrics for ensuring the breed’s survival locally including establishing “clear local leadership to drive the initiative forward and embed the goat’s role in the island’s economy, environment and cultural identity”, to take “urgent action to widen the gene pool, with more bloodlines”, and to encourage “more local breeders”.

The experts also discussed “funding and investment to establish a coordinated on-island breeding and conservation programme”, and looked to set “clear, measurable targets for herd expansion, genetic management and agricultural integration”.

His Excellency added: “The message from the symposium was clear and unanimous: the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat is a strong brand that could make a valuable contribution to Guernsey’s economy, environment and cultural heritage – so long as there is coordinated action across the community.”

  • Pictured: Experts gathered at Guernsey’s Government House. (Image courtesy of John Fitzgerald).
  • Pictured: Experts gathered at Guernsey’s Government House. (Image courtesy of John Fitzgerald).
  • Pictured: His Excellency, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Cripwell, Lieutenant-Governor of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. (Image Courtesy of John Fitzgerald).

The symposium brought together local farmers, conservationists, government representatives and international experts – including the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat Breed Society and its UK equivalent, along with the Guernsey Goat Breeders of America. 

Rare Breeds Survival Trust CEO Christopher Price said: “The symposium was a vital first step in securing the long-term future of the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat on its island of origin. Bringing together breeders, farmers, and conservationists, the event identified a clear series of actions to tackle both  immediate challenges, particularly the declining numbers and genetic diversity, and the longer-term goal of promoting the breed’s many benefits.

“While the breed’s high-quality milk is already well known, the symposium highlighted an exciting new potential: the role the Royal Golden Guernsey goat could play in restoring the island’s natural habitats, further cementing its value to both agriculture and the environment.”