The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, and Marine Resources advances in rolling out Component 4 of its Food Security Enhancement Project with the importation of 466 purebred animals from the United States of America (USA) at a cost of over EC$4 million.
The purchase of the animals, namely sheep, goats, and pigs, came in via the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) on Saturday, 4 January 2025. This is a part of the implementation of a national breeding programme aimed at increasing quality stock on the local market and, ultimately, food security and sustainability.
The initiative will offer direct support to 25 pig farmers, who will receive facility upgrades along with 1 breeding boar, and 25 small ruminant farmers (both sheep and goats) will also receive facility upgrades and at least 1 breeding buck or ram.
Minister for Agriculture and Lands Forestry and Marine Resources Hon. Lennox J Andrews speaking at the official ceremony marking the historic moment for the livestock industry, described the arrival of the animals as a moment of glory and achievement. “This initiative represents a pivotal moment in advancing the agricultural sector and in ensuring the long-term sustainability of our nation’s food security,” Minister Andrews stated. “The importation of live animals goes beyond merely increasing our livestock production; it is an investment in genetic diversity and overall productivity of our livestock sector,” Minister Andrews added.
Over $300,000 was also invested in upgrading facilities at Laura, St David, Mirabeau, St Andrew, and at a third facility at Sauteurs, St Patrick, for housing the imported animals.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Forestry and Marine Resources David Hopkin in his welcome remarks, described the moment as a strategic investment for both the present and the future. “At the national level this step supports our goals of reducing dependence on imports while ensuring a sustainable supply of high-quality protein for our population,” PS Hopkin stated.
Minister for Finance Hon. Dennis Cornwall whose ministry was instrumental in providing economic support to the Food Security Enhancement Project, congratulated the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Forestry and Marine Resources for the extensive work in ensuring the realisation of the initiative.
According to the finance minister, the initiative reflects the government’s broader commitment to responsible fiscal management, where every investment is aligned with our national development priorities. “As Minister for Finance, I am particularly proud of the role my ministry has played in supporting this transformative project, from securing and managing the EC$26.8 million from the Food Security Enhancement Project to working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Forestry and Marine Resources on financial planning and resource allocation,” stated Minister Cornwall. “Finance has been instrumental in turning this vision into a reality,” Minister Cornwall added.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Mobilisation, Implementation, and Transformation Hon. Andy Williams described the importation of the livestock as an occasion of national significance. “As the Minister for Mobilisation, Implementation, and Transformation, I am entrusted with ensuring that projects critical to our nation’s development are implemented. This year is indeed a game changer, not just for the agriculture sector but for Grenada as a whole… And this is the sort of transformation that we look forward to,” he remarked.
A team of recently employed livestock officers will now care for the imported livestock stationed at the various quarantine points. They are responsible for all aspects of caregiving, feeding, and ensuring that breeding terms and conditions are met. The animals will be quarantined for a period of 6 to 8 weeks before being distributed to the selected farmers.
The historic moment was also witnessed by former Minister for Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, and Marine Resources Senator Adrian Thomas, Minister for Social Development and Housing Senator Gloria Thomas, and advisor in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, and Marine Resources Gemma Bain-Thomas, among other dignitaries.
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, and Marine Resources… ensuring food and nutrition security for all!
Why would 466 animals cost $4million EC? That doesn’t make any sense at all. Who pulled the wool over your eyes government ? Each animal with transport would have cost approximately $80,000ec dollars each. That’s ridiculous for one goat, sheep, or cow even of the best breeding stock.
Why would 466 animals cost $4million EC? That doesn’t make any sense at all. Who pulled the wool over your eyes government ? Each animal with transport would have cost approximately $80,000ec dollars each. That’s ridiculous for one giant sheep or cow even of the best breeding stock.