Grenada's government has launched a major initiative to boost its livestock sector with the importation of 466 pure-bred animals from the United States, representing an investment of over EC$4 million aimed at enhancing the nation's food security.

The animals, including sheep, goats, and pigs, arrived at Maurice Bishop International Airport on January 4, marking a significant step in the country's Food Security Enhancement Project. The program will provide direct support to 50 local farmers, with 25 pig farmers receiving facility upgrades and breeding boars, and 25 small ruminant farmers getting facility upgrades along with breeding bucks or rams.

"This initiative represents a pivotal moment in advancing the agricultural sector and in ensuring the long-term sustainability of our nation's food security," said Minister for Agriculture and Lands, Forestry and Marine Resources,Lennox J. Andrews at the arrival ceremony.

The government has invested an additional EC$300,000 in upgrading facilities at Laura in St David, Mirabeau in St Andrew, and Sauteurs in St Patrick. 

The imported animals will undergo a six to eight-week quarantine period before distribution to selected farmers.

Finance Minister  Dennis Cornwall highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader EC$26.8 million Food Security Enhancement Project. "This moment represents a culmination of planning partnership and investment in the future of our nation's livestock industry," Cornwall stated.

Interim Permanent Secretary David Hopkin noted the strategic importance of the investment: "At the national level, this step supports our goals of reducing independence on imports while ensuring a sustainable supply of high-quality protein for our population."

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Mobilisation, Implementation and Transformation, Andy Williams, called the importation "an occasion of national significance," noting it represents a transformative moment for Grenada's agricultural sector.

The ceremony was attended by various government officials, including former Agriculture Minister Senator Adrian Thomas, Minister for Social Development and Housing Gloria Thomas, and newly employed livestock officers who will oversee the animals' care at various quarantine locations.

Source - https://caribbean.loopnews.com