Jamaica dairy sector gets major boost with 400 pregnant heifers

The landmark Heifer Redistribution Programme, spearheaded by the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB), was officially launched on July 16 at Serge Island Dairies in Danvers Pen, St. Thomas, from which the animals were purchased.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, declared that the initiative represents far more than disaster recovery. Delivering the keynote address, he framed it as a long-term strategy to transform the sector’s productive capacity following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, which caused an estimated $3 billion in losses, compounding damage still lingering from Hurricane Beryl the year prior.

“It’s not a transfer of animals, it’s a transfer of productive capacity… to ensure that we continue to rebuild our national herd, that we improve the genetic quality on our farms throughout the island, and that we create greater opportunity for increased milk production, and more importantly, long-term income generation,” Minister Green said.

Because the heifers are pregnant, Mr. Green emphasised that the investment will generate compounding value as calves are born, enabling farmers to systematically expand their operations. To safeguard this investment, recipients are being carefully selected through established dairy groups, ensuring proper animal management and adherence to production targets.

In a move to secure the next generation of dairy farmers, a portion of the animals will also be channelled to educational institutions. “We’re also going to be helping our high schools with the infrastructure and also helping them with some of these pregnant heifers – so they can build a system that will continue to serve the dairy sector,” the Minister stated.

Minister Green issued a direct appeal to beneficiaries, urging diligent animal care and reinvestment to capitalise on rising output. “What we’re doing today is building the base of our dairy sector so that we can reach back to the heights where we can look to supply milk for the entire Caribbean. That must be our goal,” he said.

The heifer distribution falls under the Ministry’s broader Dairy Livestock Innovation Nutrition and Knowledge (LINK) Programme, a comprehensive framework providing equipment leasing, pasture redevelopment, veterinary support, and dairy infrastructure upgrades. The Minister noted this builds on immediate post-hurricane relief, which saw the JDDB supply feed, fencing, generators, and establish veterinary partnerships to save livestock following the category-five storm.

Echoing the sense of urgency, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Seprod Group, Richard Pandohie, told attendees the industry faces a critical juncture. “We either move forward now in a very strong way or we face the risk of never ever being able to develop it again,” Mr. Pandohie warned.

Underscoring the scale of decline and the size of the opportunity, he concluded: “We are producing 13 million litres of milk per year in this country. We used to produce 50 million litres. We can become the supplier to the entire English-speaking Caribbean. We have an opportunity, and this is the time that we have to make it happen.”