ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – The Ministry of Agriculture has launched a national breeding program aimed at boosting local food production.
Earlier this month, 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 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.
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 program 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.
