Livestock Farmer Meeting

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development has convened a meeting with livestock stakeholders to outline the future breeding plan for Saint Lucia’s livestock sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture recently held a meeting with farmers, retailers, producers, and other key industry stakeholders, to discuss and align key sectoral priorities with the government’s plan for the national breeding program and the broader development of Saint Lucia’s livestock industry.

The meeting served as a sensitisation activity where participants were provided with pertinent information on the new livestock bloodlines acquired under the CERC component of the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Sharmaine Melville-Edwin says with the establishment of an Artificial Insemination (AI) lab underway, the initial focus will be on cattle artificial insemination, and as capacity develops, the program will expand to include small ruminants and swine.

“Another part of this initiative consists of nutrition and feeding for livestock, as it is a major component of every livestock activity. Yes, we can have good genetics and good stock, but if we don’t feed them properly, we will not get the output we expect from these genetics. Therefore, farmers will be assisted through capacity-building and training activities, including how to conserve and develop their pastures, especially during drought periods.”

Under the UBEC Project, farmers will also receive support to implement pasture conservation strategies, capacity building through training programs, animal health diagnostics, and ensure water security for livestock.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, Barrymore Felicien stresses that the initiative’s success relies on the participation and support of all industry stakeholders.

“The ministry has outlined a national breeding program focusing on improving the genetic quality of our livestock, enhancing productivity, and ensuring sustainability. This program is designed not just to boost output but also to improve the livelihoods of our farmers, increase the profitability of our retailers, and optimize the operations of our feed mills.”

The national breeding program outlined by the Ministry of Agriculture, aimed at increasing the resilience of livestock to local conditions, and enhancing productivity and sustainability within the farming sector, signifies the ongoing commitment to improving livestock quality and optimizing agricultural operations across Saint Lucia.