Green assures that Jamaica’s dairy sector will remain strong under his leadership

In efforts to revitalize the local dairy industry, Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Minister, Floyd Green, has declared that the sector will not be decimated under his watch. He attributed the collapse of the dairy sector in the 1990s to competition from imports and expressed his commitment to ensuring that such a decline does not happen again. Green emphasized the importance of bringing back the industry that once flourished and stated that the ministry is taking a comprehensive approach to revitalize the sector, including research work and the use of new technology like artificial insemination. A team has been assembled at Bodles Research Station in St Catherine to lead these efforts.

Green highlighted the significance of the dairy industry’s past success and the subsequent decline, noting that little has been done to bring it back up. He expressed determination to change this by leading the dairy sector’s revitalization program. The minister mentioned the importance of research work to ensure the strength of the cattle breeds developed years ago and emphasized the use of new technology like artificial insemination to bring back the Jamaica Hope cattle. Resources have been allocated to Bodles Research Station to support these efforts, including the establishment of a new milking parlour.

The minister’s focus on revitalizing the dairy industry comes as stakeholders have lamented the decline of the sector and called for action to bring it back to its former glory. Green emphasized the ministry’s commitment to taking a full 360-degree approach to revitalizing the sector, starting with research work and utilizing new technologies. The efforts at Bodles Research Station are a key part of this approach, with a dedicated team working to bring back the Jamaica Hope cattle breed. Green’s declaration that the industry will not be decimated under his watch reflects his determination to ensure the sector’s sustainability and growth.

The launch of the dairy revitalization program at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in Mandeville, Manchester, served as a platform for Minister Green to reaffirm his commitment to revitalizing the local dairy industry. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry over the years and highlighted the impact of imports on the sector’s decline in the 1990s. Green’s insistence that the collapse of the dairy sector will not happen again under his leadership underscores his determination to drive positive change and support the growth of the industry. By taking a comprehensive approach and investing in research and technology, the ministry aims to bring back the strength and success of the local dairy industry.

Overall, Minister Green’s efforts to revitalize the local dairy industry demonstrate a commitment to ensuring its sustainability and growth. By addressing past challenges, investing in research and technology, and taking a comprehensive approach to revitalization, the ministry aims to bring back the strength and success of the sector. Through initiatives like the dairy revitalization program and support for research work at Bodles Research Station, Green is leading efforts to revive the industry and prevent any further decline. His determination to prevent the decimation of the dairy sector under his watch reflects a strong commitment to driving positive change and supporting the future of the industry.