The head of Jamaica's Small Ruminants Association is calling on the Government to slap a special levy on imported goat and sheep meat, arguing that the money could be used to revive local farming and reduce the country's heavy dependence on foreign imports.

Derrick Dunn, president of the association, said Jamaica currently imports about 85 per cent of its chevon (goat meat) and mutton (sheep meat) from Australia and New Zealand, a situation he believes is hurting local farmers.

"Presently, 85 per cent of chevon (goat meat) and mutton (sheep meat) are imported from Australia and New Zealand. This is not encouraging for farmers in the industry," Dunn told The Gleaner.