Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Stresses Local Animal Feed Production for Food Security

Following Hurricane Beryl, Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Floyd Green is advocating for greater animal feed production to improve food security. He emphasizes the need for public-private partnerships to reduce import reliance and costs. Recent data reveal substantial import expenditures on animal feed, underscoring the urgency for increased local production to address past shortages affecting the livestock sector.

In response to the agricultural challenges faced by Jamaica, notably following the 2024 Hurricane Beryl incident, the government has intensified its focus on enhancing food security. Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister, Floyd Green, has emphasized the urgent need for increased local production of animal feed. The goal is to reduce the nation’s dependency on food imports, thereby fortifying its food security efforts.

Minister Green advocates for the establishment of public-private partnerships to enhance animal feed production. This strategy aims not only to bolster Jamaica’s local food production but also to lower the financial burden associated with importing animal feed. Recent reports indicate that Jamaica imported approximately US$11.19 million worth of animal feed from the United States in 2023, highlighting the necessity for self-sufficiency in this critical sector.

According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin), the nation’s total import expenditure reached about US$4.44 billion between January and July 2023. Minister Green referenced the severe feed shortage in 2022 that adversely affected Jamaica’s pig and poultry industries, increasing concerns over livestock losses and subsequent declines in meat supplies. Addressing these issues through enhanced local production of animal feed is crucial for the nation’s agricultural resilience.

The article outlines the critical efforts by Jamaica to enhance its food security through increased local animal feed production. Minister Floyd Green’s call for partnerships between public and private sectors signifies a strategic approach to reduce dependency on imports. The significant figures regarding feed imports and past shortages reflect the urgent need for action in strengthening Jamaica’s agricultural sector.

Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com