On Friday, 6 June 2025, ten livestock farmers will each receive one pure-bred pig, as the Veterinary Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry commences placement of the specially procured animals into the hands of local farmers.
15 additional farmers are earmarked as recipients and are currently undergoing assessment by the ministry’s livestock team to determine their eligibility as custodians of the pure-bred pigs.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s distribution, Minister for Agriculture, Lands and Forestry Hon. Lennox J Andrews described the investment of approximately US$23 million to purchase and import the pure-bred animals as a serious indication of the government’s commitment to driving the agricultural sector forward.
“Our plan via this food security enhancement project is to significantly boost the production of quality meat to satisfy first the local and then regional markets,” Minister Andrews stated.
The first 10 beneficiaries were chosen following an intense evaluation process which covered areas of infrastructure, husbandry, waste management, record-keeping and development plans.
Chief Veterinary Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry Dr Kimond Cummings said the project aims to preserve genetic material so that Grenada can subsequently omit the need to continually import new genetics.
The key objective of this component of the project is to boost the production of meat, enhance the development of Grenada’s genetic stock, and increase profitability, consequently improving the income and livelihood of farmers.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry Isaac Bhagwan is convinced that the investment will lead to great outcomes for the farmers and the nation. “This is the biggest investment of the Government/Ministry of Agriculture to date in the livestock sector and given the programme’s objectives, we expect nothing short of good returns and profitability for our livestock farmers”
468 animals were imported in January, comprising 144 pigs, 159 goats and 165 sheep under Component 4 of the World Bank Food Enhancement Security Project.
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries and Cooperatives…Ensuring Food and Nutrition Security for All.
