Plan to increase competitiveness of Black Belly sheep

 

A four-year plan is currently ongoing with the intention of improving the competitiveness and sustainability of Black Belly Sheep on the island.

The predominant line of action which has been identified by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is intended to add value to agricultural production and keep value in production zones.

One of the problems identified in this plan, which will draw to a close in 2014, was although the meat of the sheep is a highly valued commodity in Barbados due to its superior quality, production inefficiencies have led to the under-development of the resource and the importation of cheaper substitutes.

“At present, over 80 per cent of the lamb consumed in Barbados is imported. This figure is alarming since the BBS [Black Belly sheep] was identified as one commodity that could satisfy 100 per cent of Barbados’ lamb consumption. In addition, historically only the meat of the sheep was considered to have commercial value while the skins, horns, and hoofs were treated as waste. Moreover, several agribusiness opportunities exist for use of a national logo on BBS-branded artisanal food and craft products,” the medium-term plan stated.

The general objective therefore is to increase the production of Black Belly sheep in Barbados to a level that meets the market demand for lamb, while ensuring full transparency and participation among the different stakeholders along the value chain.

Following a value chain analysis it is expected that a document containing an analysis of the demand, supply and potential of the BBS lamb and other by-products developed through desk research and interviews with stakeholders will be produced.

Additionally, stakeholders will be sensitised on the benefits of the value chain approach to developing the sub-sector and specific operational and business models developed.

At the end of the projected period it is expected that Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Small Business will be better informed and prepared to invest in the industry.

Furthermore the industry will be stakeholders equipped with the skills and awareness to participate in value chain dialogue and farmers now have business models for making investment decisions. (JH)

Details

Date Posted

January 04 2013