The Government of Saint Lucia has released an update about the Veterinary and Livestock Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, which is currently working on efforts to validate the retail pork prices, which are set by the Saint Lucia Pig Farmers Co-operative Society Limited.
The Ministry of Agriculture, in acknowledging the continuous spike in the cost of feed, gas, labour as well as building materials, also recognize the difficulties faced by the swine producers and the requirement for a spike in the price, which will be paid for the pork.
While the Ministry of Agriculture does not regulate the prices of the pork, Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Dr Sharmaine Melville Edwin made an explanation that efforts are being made by the Veterinary as well as Livestock Services Division to validate the cost of the manufacturing that is getting prepared by the Pig Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd.
At the same time, Dr Melville Edwin has further elaborated that as the Christmas holidays are coming, the Ministry of Agriculture has also worked on and increased the surveillance as well as proper monitoring of butchery practices to ensure compliance with public health guidelines along with the procedures.
Meanwhile, Dr Melville Edwin has also encouraged butchers as well as the general public to follow the public health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health & Agriculture as well as procedures as the government is working towards a safer and more efficient agriculture sector.
