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Loop News 35 minutes ago
Lennox Andrews- Minister for Agriculture. Photo: Grenada GIS
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry has launched a national breeding programme aimed at boosting local food production. On Friday, June 6, 2025, the ministry distributed 10 high-quality boars to farming communities as part of the broader Food Security Enhancement Programme funded by the World Bank.
This initiative is a strategic step to reduce Grenada’s dependence on imported food and to build a more resilient agricultural system in the face of global supply chain disruptions and the worsening effects of climate change. These factors have heightened the island’s vulnerability to food insecurity, prompting decisive action from the government.
The distribution, held at T.A. Marryshow Community College in St. Andrew, forms part of a larger shipment of 468 animals imported from the United States earlier this year at a cost exceeding EC$4 million. The consignment included 144 pigs, 159 goats, and 165 sheep, all intended to strengthen local breeding efforts and improve access to high-quality livestock.
Agriculture Minister, Lennox Andrew emphasized the critical role of local farmers in addressing food shortages. “These farmers will be able to feed our people, their families, and eventually the region,” he stated, highlighting the broader regional implications of increased domestic production.
The boars, from renowned breeds such as Berkshire, Duroc, Landrace, and Large White, have been strategically placed in key agricultural districts to provide widespread access to improved breeding stock. The goal is to increase productivity, improve meat quality, and reduce the country’s reliance on imported pork.
To ensure long-term success, farmers were selected through a rigorous process involving interviews and on-site assessments, confirming their capacity to manage the high-value animals.
Chief Veterinary and Livestock Officer, Dr Kimond Cummings, described the event as a pivotal moment in Grenada’s agricultural history. “It stretches beyond just a ceremonial event; it marks a historical moment in our sector that we should be proud of,” he said.
The animals underwent a strict six to eight-week quarantine to ensure they were disease-free before being integrated into the local farming system.
This breeding programme is a critical part of Grenada’s broader efforts to empower farmers, boost local food availability, and ensure that the nation can meet its nutritional needs despite global uncertainties.
