In response to recent hurricanes, Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture, Floyd Green, calls for enhanced local animal feed production to secure food supplies. Emphasizing public/private partnerships, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports, which in 2023 cost Jamaica over US$11 million. This move seeks to prevent the losses experienced in the agricultural sector, particularly in livestock.
In light of recent natural disasters, particularly the 2024 Hurricane Beryl, Jamaica’s Agricultural Minister Floyd Green emphasizes the need to increase local animal feed production to bolster food security. Following significant agricultural losses which surpassed those of other Caribbean nations, Jamaica is intent on avoiding a recurrence through enhanced preparation and resource management.
Minister Green advocates for the establishment of public/private sector partnerships aimed at reducing the nation’s dependence on imported animal feed. This initiative is seen as crucial for lowering associated costs and expanding local food production capacity. In 2023, Jamaica imported animal feed preparations from the U.S. totalling approximately US$11.19 million.
Furthermore, Green references data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin), revealing that total import expenditures reached approximately US$4.44 billion between January and July 2023. He also highlighted the detrimental impact of a 2022 feed shortage which significantly affected Jamaica’s pig and poultry sectors, leading to livestock losses and decreased meat supplies.
Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Floyd Green is advocating for increased local animal feed production to enhance the country’s food security in response to recent agricultural challenges. By fostering public/private sector partnerships and reducing reliance on imports, Jamaica aims to prevent future losses and support its local agricultural sector, particularly in light of the issues faced in 2022.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
