Following Hurricane Beryl, Jamaica seeks to enhance food security through increased local animal feed production. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green advocates for public/private partnerships to reduce import reliance and strengthen local agriculture. The country experienced significant import expenditures for animal feed in 2023 and faced critical losses in livestock due to past shortages.
In the wake of the 2024 Hurricane Beryl, Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister, Floyd Green, has urged an increase in local animal feed production as part of a broader effort to enhance the nation’s food security. Green’s initiative aims to diminish the dependency on imports, thereby fortifying Jamaica’s agricultural sector against similar disasters that have previously caused significant losses.
To achieve this goal, Minister Green advocates for the establishment of public and private sector partnerships. Such collaborations would help to alleviate the financial burden associated with importing animal feed, thereby promoting local food production. The goal is to achieve greater sustainability in Jamaican agriculture.
A recent report indicates that Jamaica imported US$11.19 million worth of animal feed preparations from the United States in 2023. Furthermore, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) stated that the nation’s total import expenditure for the first half of 2023 was approximately US$4.44 billion. Minister Green also pointed out the repercussions of the 2022 feed shortage, which adversely affected the pig and poultry industries, leading to significant livestock losses and reduced meat supply.
In conclusion, Jamaica is taking proactive steps to enhance its agricultural resilience in light of past adversities. By increasing local animal feed production and fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors, the country aims to reduce reliance on imports. This focus on self-sufficiency is essential for bolstering food security and supporting local industries against future challenges.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
