The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy is taking steps to address a shortage of animal feed, which is currently impacting the livestock subsector. The shortage is as a result of high seas which prevented shipping vessels from docking on January 5th and January 11th. The Ministry has further been informed that consignments of animal feed expected to arrive on January 19th will not be delivered on the said date.
The Ministry of Agriculture reaffirms its commitment to the livestock farmers and is working closely with affected farmers on feeding and management practices. The Ministry of Agriculture convened an urgent meeting on Monday, January 15th with animal feed suppliers and the President of the Poultry and Livestock Growers Association to discuss solutions to immediately respond to the shortage and to prevent a recurrence. The current situation supports the Government’s decision to invest in an animal feed plant to provide a reliable and cost-effective option to livestock farmers on the island.
As a short-term measure, the Ministry has placed an urgent order for animal feed with a neighbouring island, which is expected to arrive as early as Thursday, January 18th. Seventy (70) percent of the consignment is earmarked for layer birds as they are the most affected due to the lack of commercial feed.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Blue and Green Economy assures livestock farmers of the Government’s commitment to do all within its power to bring relief at the soonest possible time.
The livestock subsector is a key component of national efforts to achieve food and nutrition security and the Government of Dominica will spare no effort to safeguard the livelihoods of the livestock farmers on the island.
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