Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the local dairy industry, following a recent press conference hosted by Pine Hill Dairy.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional Security; the Barbados Agricultural Society; and the Dairy and Beef Association, to address recent milk supply challenges.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Terry Bascombe, clarified government’s role in the importation of heifers to bolster milk production.
“Contrary to public perception, the government does not import products to compete with local industries. Our role is to support research, development, and strategic investments that benefit the sector,” he explained.
Mr. Bascombe detailed the process of sourcing heifers from Canada, following health concerns in Brazil and the U.S., and emphasised the importance of ensuring the animals’ suitability for Barbados’ tropical climate.
President of the Dairy and Beef Association, Patrick Butcher, provided an update on the imported heifers, noting that many are already pregnant and expected to calve by mid-2025. “This is a gradual process, but we are confident that these efforts will lead to a significant increase in milk production,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society, James Paul, spoke of the importance of improving forage quality and artificial insemination services. “We are working closely with the Ministry and other stakeholders to address these critical areas and ensure the long-term viability of the industry,” he stated.
People, Legal and Corporate Affairs Manager at Banks Holdings Limited, Lisa Ridley-Paul, spoke of the challenges faced by the industry but expressed optimism about the future. “We are seeing gradual improvements in milk supply and are committed to working with our farmers to achieve full sustainability,” she said.
The stakeholders stressed the need for continued collaboration and public support as they work towards achieving food security and a thriving dairy industry in Barbados. (PR/GIS)
