Livestock farmers in Saint Lucia are eagerly looking forward to a groundbreaking breeding program set to inject fresh bloodlines from the United States into their herds.
This initiative, announced by Agriculture Minister Alfred Prospere, is poised to revolutionize the quality of livestock and processed meat within the country.
Minister Prospere underscored the significance of the program in advancing the agricultural sector’s capabilities.
He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to elevating standards, noting that this initiative marks just one among many aimed at enhancing the quality of livestock and processed meat.
Selecting superior stock
A team of experts from the ministry recently journeyed to the US on a mission to handpick superior bloodlines.
Their selection, which includes swine and sheep, comprises a total of 154 animals scheduled to arrive in Saint Lucia by the end of May.
Boosting market accessibility
The primary objective of this ambitious breeding program is to bolster the quantity of livestock available in the market.
By doing so, it aims to improve accessibility to processed meat, meeting the growing demand from consumers.
Reviving processing activities
In tandem with introducing new bloodlines, the Ministry is actively revitalizing processing activities at the Vollet Station in Micoud.
Minister Prospere articulated the urgency of this endeavor, expressing the Ministry’s commitment to operationalizing the Vollet Agricultural Station at the earliest.
Plans are underway for the construction of an artificial insemination lab at Vollet, where the new breeds will play a pivotal role in boosting the livestock sector.
Comprehensive support for farmers
Acknowledging the challenges faced by farmers, Minister Prospere reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to their welfare.
Alongside the breeding program and processing facility upgrades, additional measures are being implemented to offer comprehensive support.
These include imminent plans for a farm labor program aimed at alleviating the labor shortage, a significant hurdle for farmers.
