The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries has partnered with the Trinidad and Tobago Goat and Sheep Society (TTGSS) to create a solution-based approach to address the increasing demand for affordable, quality and healthy lamb, mutton, and goat meat.
Additionally, the partnership is meant to promote the local goat and sheep farmers and promote food security in the nation.
President of the TTGSS, Ravi Renie, said the collaboration is also meant to keep the sector running despite the numerous challenges.
Agriculture Minister Kazim Hosein agreed, adding that the partnership will also seek to build awareness of animals coming in from other regions.
In some cases, the most vulnerable in society including children, may contract diseases such as foot and mouth disease from animals. Minister Hosein made an appeal to the butchers not to purchase the animals from other regions, but to support local farmers. He said along with his Ministry, the Ministry of National Security and the Customs and Excise Division have been alerted and will be monitoring the sector for illegal purchases.