FAO Multipurpose Animal Recording Platform Seminar
The Objective of the TCP/SLC3802 project is to develop/strengthen a national legal framework to develop and implement standardized identification and traceability systems in the Caribbean region which will contribute to strengthened evidence-based decision-making regarding livestock production, genetic resources and animal health management to develop more sustainability and inclusive value chains for livestock (products).
The official launch of the TCP/SLC3802 pilot project was held on 13th October in the Parliament Training /Conference room. The session was hosted by Dr. Hull-James, Veterinary Officer and the invocation was done by Diahann Gomes, Livestock officer.
Minister E.P. Chet Greene, in his opening remarks, thanked the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the visiting team of technicians including Tania DeGetrouweHoost, FAO Subregional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (FAOSLC) Livestock Development Officer, Dragan Angelovski, Technical Advisor, Zoran Petrovski and Revaz Senadze FAO Georgia (FAOGE) for considering Antigua and Barbuda as part of the pilot project not only for Antigua and Barbuda but also for the Caribbean region. Further, he expressed his expectations which include curtailing “Praedial Larceny” which is a growing concern and pledging his and the government’s support to the project, Beverly Thomas, the focal point, other technicians within the ministry and other stakeholders.
Other speakers included:
Dr. Tubal Edwards, Chief Veterinary Officer, gave a synopsis of when the project originally began since 2021 and some constraints that were experienced but in his brief remarks, he concluded that he was pleased with the progress made and noted the benefits of the project.
Miss Tania DeGetrouweHoost, in her remarks, reported that Antigua and Barbuda is the most advanced in the legislative component of the project and will be the example for the other islands to follow.
Dragan Angelovski explained the objective, development and technicality of the project. Additionally, he mentioned that the expiration for FAOSLC will be at the end of November, however, FAOGE has agreed to continue its technical support for two more years due to the constraints that had happened. The extended time would allow the project to reach its fullest potential for all of the participating countries.
Miss Beverly Thomas, Livestock officer and AIT Focal point, gave an overview of the project pertaining to what was achieved to date and ways forward which includes the implementation highlights.
Ms. Cheryl Edwards, the Veterinary consultant, excitingly expressed her thoughts on the long journey in arriving to this point which involved the struggle for Antigua and Barbuda to be included in the pilot project. These were some of the expectations of the project Ms. Edwards shared 1. Create a better synergy between farmers and government 2. Incorporate backyard livestock farmers who may not have a structured animal recording system, but who represent a significant percentage of total animal inventory. 3. Increase the value of livestock farmers 4. This should contribute to a continuous animal census in real-time. 5. Decrease the incidence of praedial Larceny.
An open floor discussion was held during which Mr. Angelovski answered and explained in more detail what were the objectives and outputs of the data system. He reiterated his team’s commitment to the project and pledged their continued technical support. At the end of the Launch, all in attendance had a much clearer and better understanding of the TCP/SLC3802 pilot project.
Following the launch, the team paid visit to the Livestock farm located in Pynters and then to Byron Lee farm located in Newfield area. While on the farms the livestock animals that were tagged were inspected by the visiting technicians.