Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Christopher Tufton

"We are looking at a feedstock for livestock that could replace and could complement the traditional methods of feeding as an alternative to dealing with the cost issues, which have been raised," he stated.

Dr. Tufton was addressing concerns raised at the annual general meeting of the Jamaica Pig Farmers Association (JPFA) held recently in Ocho Rios, about the escalating cost of feed and the need to find alternative feedstock.

On the suggestion that idle crown land could be planted to provide a source of animal feed, Minister Tufton told the JPFA members that he will be meeting with the bauxite companies to discuss, among other things, the possibility of utilizing mined-out lands to supply feed for livestock.

"I think we have to now challenge them, encourage them and work with them to restore these lands to a level which can now improve the critical foundation and basis for us to create food security," he stated.