Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, has reinforced the importance of Westmoreland to Jamaica’s agricultural development, highlighting the parish’s historic and evolving role in the nation’s food security and economic resilience.
Speaking at the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Agricultural Show held in Little London on June 29, Minister Green praised the parish’s longstanding contributions and underscored its continued leadership in diversifying Jamaica’s agricultural output.
“Westmoreland has historically been one of Jamaica’s most significant agricultural parishes. From its early days as a major sugar-producing region, it has contributed immensely to our national economy and food production,” said Minister Green.
While sugar remains a staple crop, he noted that the parish has broadened its agricultural focus to include bananas, coconuts, and, notably, small ruminants such as goats and sheep.
“Our goal at the Ministry is to continue driving this diversification to ensure resilient and sustainable growth for our farmers and our nation,” he added.
Leading in Goat Farming
Minister Green pointed to Westmoreland’s emergence as a leading parish in small ruminant farming, particularly in goat production. He lauded the achievements of both experienced and youth farmers who have shown innovation and commitment in the field.
“Today, Westmoreland stands out as one of our top parishes for small ruminant farming. Our goat farmers there are doing exceptionally well, and some of our most talented youth farmers come from this parish,” he said.
“The quality of animals displayed at the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) agricultural shows, including Denbigh and Montpelier, consistently showcases Westmoreland’s excellence. It’s inspiring to see the dedication and innovation from farmers in this region.”
He described small ruminants as integral to the country’s agricultural goals, particularly in reducing reliance on imported meat and dairy.
“They are remarkable creatures. By focusing on strengthening our small ruminant industry, we not only improve food security but also reduce our dependence on imported meats and dairy products,” Green explained.
Ministry Initiatives and Youth Engagement
In response to growing interest and the need for sustainable practices, the Ministry has implemented several support mechanisms. These include the removal of customs duties on imported breeds to facilitate access to superior genetics, as well as free artificial insemination services.
The Minister also announced a new youth-focused programme set to launch this year, aimed at equipping young farmers with livestock and modern housing infrastructure.
“Our aim is to shift from traditional grazing methods to more modern, controlled housing systems. This will enable faster growth rates, better health outcomes for the animals and, ultimately, higher returns for our farmers,” he said.
Continued Support from the JAS
Minister Green commended the Jamaica Agricultural Society for its continued partnership with the Ministry and its efforts to support local farmers through education, training, and platforms like the JAS shows.
“The JAS is a cornerstone of our agricultural development strategy. It provides farmers with critical platforms to display their produce, exchange knowledge, and access markets,” he noted. “The partnership between the Ministry and JAS is central to our efforts to build a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.”
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