The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved plans for the first phase of a modern livestock processing complex at Betty’s Hope, a project valued at approximately EC$15 million that the government says is intended to strengthen food security, reduce reliance on imported meat and revitalize the country’s livestock sector.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, speaking at Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, said Cabinet received a comprehensive presentation from officials within the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and the Blue Economy, including the director of agriculture, the permanent secretary, the project’s consultant and the project manager.
Merchant said the presentation outlined the government’s plans to construct a modern small ruminant and swine abattoir alongside a dedicated poultry processing facility at Betty’s Hope.
He said the project represents the first phase of a broader national strategy to establish a Veterinary Livestock Development Complex that will serve as a national centre for livestock production, veterinary services, food processing, research, training and agribusiness development.
According to Merchant, officials told Cabinet that the availability of Crown lands at Betty’s Hope makes the site ideally suited to accommodate veterinary, livestock and regulatory services in one location while providing a permanent home for the Veterinary and Livestock Division.
He said the integrated facility is expected to improve operational efficiency, strengthen coordination among government agencies and generate long-term cost savings.
Merchant said Cabinet was advised that Antigua and Barbuda possesses favourable climatic conditions, suitable land resources and the technical expertise needed to support a thriving livestock industry. However, officials noted that the sector has experienced decades of decline because of increased competition from imported meat products, changing land-use patterns, rising production costs and climate-related challenges.
He said the proposed development is intended to do more than modernize slaughtering operations.
“The project is designed to strengthen national food security, improve food safety standards, reduce dependence on imported meat products, expand opportunities for livestock farmers and build greater resilience within the agricultural sector,” Merchant said.
The presentation also detailed a phased development strategy aimed at expanding the national livestock population through improved breeding programmes, enhanced animal nutrition, stronger veterinary services and increased support for farmers.
Future phases of the project will include meat-packing and processing facilities, cold storage, feed production, by-product utilization and other value-added agricultural enterprises designed to create jobs and retain more economic value within Antigua and Barbuda.
Merchant said the overall project is expected to cost the government approximately EC$15 million.
He noted that the government has already been acquiring equipment for the new facilities, with one abattoir and related equipment already on island, allowing the Ministry of Agriculture to begin construction of the Betty’s Hope complex.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Cabinet approves EC$15 million livestock processing complex at Betty's Hope.