Current developments in livestock, agriculture, and protein production
FAO Director Graziano da Silva has committed the organization's resources to supporting Haiti through comprehensive programs addressing both immediate crisis response and underlying structural issues affecting food security and economic development across the nation.
Haiti Broilers is progressing with construction of an integrated facility near the capital that will include feed production, hatchery operations, and pullet growing capabilities, with operations scheduled to commence in December 2011.
Following the earthquake of January 12, 2010, Alltech rapidly mobilized to support Haiti's recovery. Within two days, Dr. Pearse Lyons assessed opportunities for meaningful long-term investment, launching the Alltech Sustainable Haiti Project focused on agricultural development.
The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010 prompted worldwide humanitarian response. Alltech employees worldwide expressed strong desire to contribute tangibly to recovery efforts, building on the company's history of disaster relief following events in China (2008), Hurricane Katrina, and the Indian Ocean tsunami (2004).
The Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), established by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) shortly after the earthquake, has provided veterinary care to over 25,000 animals in the most severely affected regions.
Monsanto announced a $4 million seed donation to earthquake-affected Haiti. The Haitian Ministry of Agriculture has approved the contribution, confirming that selected seed varieties are suitable for Haiti's growing conditions and agricultural practices. Director Elizabeth Vancil noted the extraordinary need in the country.
An undetermined number of rural residences sustained damage, with farmers displaced to temporary tent shelters. Many whose homes remained structurally sound chose to sleep outdoors due to continuing tremors and fears of additional seismic events.
The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) has issued recommendations for increased caution regarding potential transboundary animal diseases from Haiti as the nation begins recovery from the earthquake two weeks prior. USDA's Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab at Plum Island confirmed the assessment.
Following news that Haiti's government projects the earthquake death toll may reach 300,000 people, questions have emerged regarding the allocation and priorities of various relief organizations responding to the humanitarian crisis.
As Haiti's government raises estimates of earthquake casualties to potentially 300,000 fatalities, observers have begun examining the effectiveness and priorities of various humanitarian organizations' response efforts in the devastated nation.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has requested $550 million USD from the international community to address the most critical immediate needs of Haitian earthquake survivors. The World Food Program estimates it must provide food assistance to one million people.
Following previous disaster responses in Myanmar and China in 2008, the ConAgra Foods Foundation expanded its partnership with the Red Cross International Relief Fund to effectively reach populations affected by catastrophic events in hard-to-access regions.
The January 12 earthquake's death toll is feared to reach hundreds of thousands in a nation where extreme poverty means many citizens consume only one meal daily. Agricultural development is recognized as essential for sustainable recovery and food security.
Haiti faces severe malnutrition challenges as the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation, with protein intake averaging less than one ounce daily per person. The country also experiences the world's highest newborn mortality rate and shortest average life expectancy at 47 years. Fish farming is being considered as a potential protein source.
The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) reports that USDA's Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Plum Island has identified and confirmed specific viral pathogens requiring monitoring and preventive measures.
Haitian veterinary authorities submitted Follow-up Report No.2 to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on October 22. The initial disease confirmation occurred on June 5, 2008, with ongoing surveillance and reporting continuing.