No shortage of cattle ear tags, says Agriculture Ministry

The Ministry of Agriculture says there is no shortage of cattle ear tags or personnel to tag cattle.

It was responding to recent concerns in the media from farmers and traders regarding difficulties in buying and selling cattle, primarily due to a perceived lack of ear tags and tagging resources.

The Ministry is reminding stakeholders that the tagging of cattle under the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) is mandatory, stating that tagging is critical to Jamaica's livestock sector.

Established in 2015, the NAITS programme is a comprehensive system designed to enhance animal disease surveillance, improve traceability of animals and their products, and address crucial food safety issues.

This initiative aligns Jamaica's livestock sector with international standards, benefiting the nation through enhanced food safety, traceability, trade, animal health, and, by extension, human health.

Of particular importance is NAITS’ role in combating praedial larceny by providing unique identification for each animal, linking it directly to an owner and farm, thereby deterring theft.

The buying, selling, or slaughtering of untagged cattle is illegal in Jamaica.

Furthermore, all establishments where cattle are reared, kept, or handled—including farms, slaughter facilities, showgrounds, livestock markets, and pounds—must be registered.

Therefore, there should be no movement of cattle from one location to another, whether for sale or slaughter, without proper registration and documentation.

With the recent formation of the Agricultural Protection Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), there will be stricter enforcement of NAITS regulations, the Ministry noted.

It says the police, Ministry of Health, and other government agencies are working to ensure that all cattle movement, meat certification, buying, and slaughtering of cattle adhere to the law—efforts that will collectively boost the fight against agricultural larceny and increase national productivity.

The Ministry says it stands ready to support farmers and industry players.

“All cattle farmers are again encouraged to reach out to their local Veterinary Services Division (VSD) representative to have their cattle identified and establishments registered. Any challenges encountered should be escalated to the NAITS Unit within the VSD of the MOAFM.

"Farmers are reminded of their responsibility to ensure their cattle are safely secured and ready for tagging when personnel arrive.”

In response to increased demand for tagging services, the Ministry will offer tagging sign-ups at the 2025 staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show.

Farmers are encouraged to visit the VSD’s booth at the show to make arrangements for their cattle to be tagged.

For assistance and information on getting cattle tagged, individuals can contact NAITS via the following channels:

WhatsApp: (876) 648-5672

Email: naits@moa.gov.jm

Telephone: (658) 219-0493 | (876) 927-0594 | 977-2489 / 977-2492 | (876) 281-8902

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.