Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Floyd Green is advocating for increased animal feed production to improve food security following significant agricultural losses during Hurricane Beryl. He proposes public/private partnerships to lessen the reliance on imports, reflecting on the impact of past feed shortages on local livestock and the economy.
The 2024 Hurricane Beryl incident has prompted a renewed focus on agricultural resilience within the Caribbean region, particularly in Jamaica, which suffered significant agricultural losses compared to neighboring nations. Minister of Agriculture, Floyd Green, advocates for increased animal feed production across the island to enhance food security and lessen dependency on imports.
Green emphasizes the importance of developing public/private sector partnerships to bolster local food production capabilities. This strategy aims to mitigate the high costs associated with importing animal feed, strengthening Jamaica’s overall food security framework.
Recent reports highlight that Jamaica imported animal feed preparations worth US$11.19 million from the United States in 2023. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica revealed a staggering total import expenditure of approximately US$4.44 billion for the first half of 2023. Green expressed concerns over a feed shortage in 2022 that severely affected Jamaica’s pig and poultry industries, leading to livestock losses and decreased meat availability.
In conclusion, the call by Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister for enhanced local animal feed production highlights significant steps towards strengthening the country’s food security. By establishing public/private sector collaborations, Jamaica can reduce its reliance on costly imports, thereby reinforcing its agricultural framework and preventing future losses similar to those suffered during Hurricane Beryl.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
