An overseas veterinary team is attempting to boost national milk production to try and make the Island more self-sufficient.

The $30,000 initiative seeks to address the "reproductive inefficiency" of Bermuda's dairy herd and increase milk production by a fifth over the next year.

The sustainable development project is being spearheaded by Dr. Eugene White and Dr. Kevin Lindell of Locust Grove Genetics in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection.

Dr. White and Dr. Lindell, associate professors at Tufts University, Massachusetts, were brought in to investigate the source of a reproductive problem among the Island's dairy herd.

A preliminary assessment found the herd had a "reproductive inefficiency" which is affecting milk production.

The vets have so far made three visits to the Island, examining cows and bulls, taking blood tests and analysing their feed.

The Dairy Enhancement Programme will also involve them training Bermudian veterinarians to take over the monitoring of the herd at the conclusion of their consultancy.

The goals of the programme are to: identify the source of reproductive inefficiency and introduce corrective measures; increase milk production by 20 percent in the next 12 months; and to address farm management practices for animal welfare and milk production.

Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney said: "What is basic to any society is its ability to feed itself. This is in keeping with the growing global recognition that foods should be produced near the region where they will be consumed, ie. you, not your food, should be 'well-travelled'.

"While Bermuda is far from self-sufficient in terms of being able to feed itself, one jewel is its dairy industry. The dairy industry brings forth a fresh, wholesome product, an awareness of the importance of agriculture, and the retention of land that is open yet productive.

"Local milk production is an opportunity for our Island not to be dependent on food standards that are determined by someone else."

He said the need for "freshness" in supply made the Island's dairy industry "important to preserve".

Bermuda currently has six milk-producing dairy herds, ranging in size from three to more than 100 cattle. Local farmers produce 1.8 million quarts of milk a year, which are processed by one processor Dunkley's Dairy.

The national dairy herd's fresh milk represents 70 percent of all milk consumption.

During the past two years however, farmers have seen a hike in feed costs and transport costs have doubled due to oil prices.