Claude Wilson, Gleaner Writer
A CONTINUED shortfall in the supply of chevon (goat meat) is forcing Government to spend millions of dollars on imports to meet a high local demand for the product.
According to Data Bank & Evaluation director, Michael Pryce, Jamaica currently imports more than 80 per cent of the chevon it demands.
Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture show that while some 3.32 million kilograms of goat meat were produced between 1997 and 2002, more than 3.6 million kg of the meat, valued at $244.3 million, had been imported.
"The demand for local goat meat is significantly high despite the importation of relatively cheaper meat from countries like Australia," said Mr. Pryce. Imported chevon is sold for $30 to $40 per pound compared to as much as $200 per pound for the local goat meat.
And according to Mr. Pryce, "The lower price for imported mutton is not going to affect the premium price consumer will pay for local goat meat."
Data Bank estimates put the current goat population at 100,000 with the production trend showing a 4.2 per cent decline during a two-year period.
In 1999 there were some 42,237 goats while in 2000 there were just under 40,500.
