Recently we had a report of a major increase of pork production in Jamaica by way of stock breeding from Canada.

We welcome any increase in food production as this will help in our foreign exchange.

However, as two large groups in Jamaica - the Seventh-day Adventists and our Rastafarian brothers - will not touch the pork, I think we could do the same with goat production.

There are larger goats in other countries whose stock can be introduced in Jamaica to boost our local goat stock.

For a start, goats do not need imported feed - they select their own feed. Portland, with its ample waterfall, and green vegetation could be a good place to rear goats.

For religious reasons, goat meat would be readily available for those who will not eat 'swine meat'.

Agricultural research

We have an agricultural school in Portland and, possibly, we could study selected plants to see how they would fit into our Jamaican climate. If successful, then the seedlings could be given to local farmers.

Ackee fetches good prices in Miami and New York in the United States, yet I cannot remember seeing anyone planting seedlings. If we don't plant, how can we expect to reap ackee?

In these days, when Jamaica's sugar and banana are being pushed off the world market, now is the time for us to press on to feed ourselves. We can't wait on some charismatic preacher to come from foreign and show us the way.

We must use what we have to better ourselves. Jamaica needs fresh minds in these times. Food production is a win-win goal worth striving for.

I am, etc.,

TYRONE OSBORNE

Kutuki23@gmail.com

Orlando, Florida