January 24, 2011

Jamaica in search of alternative feedstock

Government is exploring alternative feedstock as part of a programme aimed at combating volatile food prices, says Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton. Tufton made the revelation as Jamaicans brace for higher food prices due to soaring cost of grains on the international market which is expected to impact the cost of feeds used in the production of diary, poultry, meats and eggs.

"Where we have to go is, to take a look at alternative feedstock - cassava, for example, that can be pelletised to make poultry feed and pig feed; different types of grass that can be used for beef or production cattle rearing and small remnants rearing," Tufton told the Business Observer.

"That's where we have to focus our attention in order to say, instead of requiring 'x' amount of grain, we can cut back and substitute it with other things," he explained. Tufton ruled out directly replacing the imported grains with local produce, noting that Jamaica does not possess the critical mass needed to grow corn and soybean. Read more...

This blog is written by Martin Little The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine from Perendale Publishers.

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