Government Committed To Resuscitating the Livestock Industry

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, says the Government is committed to providing the policy and regulatory framework to resuscitate the country’s livestock industry.

In a message delivered by Chief Technical Director, Special Projects, in the Ministry, Courtney Cole, at the Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival in Brown’s Town, St. Ann, on November 8, Mr. Shaw said the livestock sector is critical to achieving sustainable food security for the nation, “and our targets for import substitution and exports.”

In this regard, Mr. Shaw noted that the Government continues to work with stakeholders to build a modern and competitive beef and dairy industry and boost production.

“Jamaica has a long and distinguished tradition of cattle breeding dating back to the pioneering years of  Dr. T.P. Lecky. I am pleased to note that in 2017 beef production was 6,695 tons, with imports of about half of that and trending down. So, something  good is happening. Rest assured though that this Government is committed to providing the policy and regulatory framework that will facilitate this renewal,” Mr. Shaw emphasised.

In the meantime, the Minister has renewed his call for more young people to become involved in agriculture.

“I believe that with increased emphasis on agriculture and its role in the economic development of the country, the role of young people in agriculture has taken on added significance. Youth involvement in agriculture is pivotal to the successful transformation of the industry,” he said.

For his part,  Executive Director of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Dr. Ronald Blake, said the Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival play a pivotal role in exposing young people to the importance of Jamaica’s livestock industry.

In an interview with JIS News, Dr. Blake said  that the Jamaica 4-H Clubs’ partnership with event is used as a platform to give its members “an experience and awareness of the livestock industry in Jamaica.”

“It is important to get young people to appreciate it, to see the opportunities and to prepare themselves to become participants,” he said.

Hundreds of 4-H club students from several schools islandwide  took part in the event, which featured a kiddies village, dairy quiz competition, calf and goat scramble and  cattle, sheep and goat judging competitions.

The annual Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival is staged in association with the Cattle Breeders’ Society of Jamaica, Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC), the Ministry  and the Jamaica 4-H Clubs.