There is strong demand for the Jamaica Red Poll breed, but a lack of resources is preventing the Red Poll Cattle Breeders Society from taking advantage of available marketing opportunities.
According to Dr. Karl Wellington, who is the chairman of the Red Poll Cattle Breeders Society, there are potential markets within CARICOM where "there is a strong demand for our breed mainly in the use of embryo transfer technology, but we are not ready to respond." He added that "there are many potentials (markets) around, but we never seem to be able to cash in on these potential."
Dr. Wellington, who was speaking at the annual general meeting of the Red Poll Cattle Breeders Society at Grove Place, Manchester recently, explained that "we need to develop a local competence that can meet the standards required internationally." He said that would be a priority for the society in the next administrative year.
Lack of participation
In addition, the Red Poll Breeders Society chairman highlighted the lack of participation by members. "There is an inadequacy of feedback from our members and we are hamstrung by inadequate resources," he stressed.
However, the problems in the livestock sector may soon be addressed as Agriculture and Lands Minister, Roger Clarke, who was in attendance at the meeting, pledged to provide more assistance to the livestock industry as part of the Government's new thrust to revive the agricultural sector and drive rural development.
"Given its potential for expanding rural development, the Government ... is committed not only to the survival of the cattle industry, but also its expansion," the Agriculture and Lands Minister told the cattle farmers. "I am aware of the concerns and I will do whatever I can to make sure that the beef industry does not become extinct," he pledged.
In the meantime, the cattle group is making preparations for hosting the World Red Poll Conference, scheduled for April 2009.
'There is an inadequacy of feedback from our members and we are hamstrung by inadequate resources.'
- Dr. Wellington
