Goat Conservation Centre
Goat Conservation Centre
Haafell farm on the north bank of the river Hvita is the Icelandic Goat Conservation Centre. The farmers are working to preserve the Icelandic goat which has survived in Iceland since the settlement in the 9th century.
Sheep have traditionally been the focus of livestock rearing in Iceland, and lack of interest in rearing goats was driving the breed towards extinction. In 2000 there were only 300 goats left but by 2015 numbers had reached around 1000. However, massive investment, beyond the reach of the farmers at Haafell, was needed to ensure its survival as a breed.
A fundraising initiative was set up to raise the money needed to install cheese-making equipment, helped somewhat when the cute goats got a role in Game of Thrones!
Visitors are welcome.