The Agriculturalist Newspaper - March -April 2019

VOL. 29 NO. 2 •

MARCH-APRIL 2019

Agri Gets £16.7 M to modernise Production

By Kimmy Blair Contributing Writer —————————————

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: amaican farmers will be getting a £16.7 million boost to help increase productivity and gain greater market access. This was made possible through a grant from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) under the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), which is administered by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

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According to a press release from the CDB, its Board of Directors at its recent monthly meeting agreed to the grant for the Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project (SPAD). The project will target 795 hectares of government-owned lands, which will be leased to farmers in the communities of Amity Hall in St. Catherine and Parnassus in Clarendon. It will provide essential agricultural production and market infrastructure and marketing systems for the farmers.

Small and medium sized farmers will make up the majority of the beneficiaries with 495 hectares allocated for them. Some

15 percent of the space – 124 hectares -- will be reserved for women farmers and 70 hectares for young farmers.

The planned infrastructure works, incorporating climate resilience measures, will include: improved irrigation, drainage and flood control systems, and farm roads expansion and rehabilitation.

Farmers will also benefit from marketing systems enhancement, including the construction of new pack houses and associated facilities in support of farmer compliance with the GLOBAL G.A.P standard.

Continued on page 4

CONGRATS: Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Dermon Spence (left) wishes Ambassador Designate to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Arthur Williams a good tour of duty during a courtesy call held at the Ministry’s Hope Gardens offices on April 8. Williams, who recently concluded his assignment as Jamaica’s representative to the Inter-American Development Bank, will succeed David Prendergast whose tour of duty ended in January.Williams is expected to assume duties in April.

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EDITORIAL by Kimmy Maitland

Food imports affect sustainable national food security he importation of primary of the Agricultural Produce Act agricultural produce has which will punish merchants and reached crisis proportion, and large users for harbouring wouldthere is a need for immediate, or- be -stolen farm produce. derly and purposeful action by the The introduce, implement and exGovernment. It is shameful to pand the concept of Agro-Ecolearn that Jamaica imports nearly nomic Zone should also be part of one billion United States dollars’ the solutions.

One may argue that other iniworth of food per year. The actual figure for 2018 is just about tiatives are missing from these suggestions. No doubt they may US$903 million.

This is happening while agri- be correct, but these form the substratum for sustaincultural export proable national food duce has declined by security.

47 per cent. The regFormal, informal ulatory agencies in and criminal importhe Ministry of Agritation of agricultural culture are at the produce has obcentre of this negaserved for decades as tive calculus which I the primary deterrent would address in anto investment in agriother article. culture. Suitcase opIt has long been erants can import recognized that agrimeats such as poulcultural production try parts, beef cuts, in Jamaica is beset pink slime, chevon, by the unavailability By pork carcasses and of affordable credit, OMER THOMAS cuts. Also imported land tenure, availvegetables, ability of suitable Agricultural Consultant are omerthomas@yahoo.com onions, potato, garlic land and a hostile and carrot, corn and policy environment. if some have their way, cassava Until these are addressed, our stomach will permanently reside bammy.

To bring order to the import acin the kitchens of others.

While the development of agri- tivities, the establishment of a culture does not match the rapid “Market Access Council” must be increase in tourist arrivals, we considered. If the concept of the continue to ignore some neces- Agro-Economic zone is to be sucsary steps to keep pace with that cessful, this mechanism is needed corresponding food demand and without delay.

The government will want to seek to treat with the mischief of food deficit by unbridled and dis- consider approving the establishment of the Council to monitor orderly importation of food.

Policies should be pursued to and regulate imports of competencourage successful local pro- ing for agricultural produce in Jaduction by targeted investment maica. Such Council will consist promotion in food production. of a broad cross-section of the The reactivate the Land Develop- stakeholder community includment and Utilization Commis- ing, government and private secsion, the establish an agricultural tor organisations.

Continued on page 11 market access council and aspects

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Jamaica must promote efficient use of land resources “The Nation that destroys its soil destroys itself,” Franklin D. Roosevelt, US president, once observed.

It is estimated that some 75 per cent of the farmers engaged on those lands, occupy plots of less than one acre.

Undoubtedly, such acreage cannot foster efficient amaica as a nation has always struggled to manage its land resources to the extent that parcels of production on the scale required. The government land that were devoted primarily to agricultural pro- should therefore deliberately and consciously production are being shifted to housing and other in- mote larger farms and businesses while introducing appropriate technologies to the existing small farmfrastructural developments.

Some 379,140 hectares, or 63 per cent, of the is- ers to boost their productivity.

Conversely, while we need enhanced food proland’s farmlands, have disappeared over the past 50 duction, we also need proper shelter years, according to the latest Agriculand housing. ture Census, published by the StatisAs an island with minimal land tical Institute of Jamaica in 2007. Our space, housing and other infrastrucfarms are disappearing at 9,722 tural developments are always comhectares per annum. peting for limited resources.

For At the current average annual far too long, Jamaicans are aggreslosses, economists at The Agricultursively seeking affordable housing soalist have projected the decline to be lutions with the demand estimated at just over 220,000 hectares at the end over 18,000 annually. of 2019.

Nevertheless, we are expressing It should be noted that in 1968, grave concerns about lands owned by farmlands accounted for an estimated 602,666 hectares of Jamaica’s total PATRICK MAITLAND both the private sector and the govland space of 1,101,000 hectares. Publisher - The Agriculturalist ernment that are being expeditiously However, it plunged to 325,810 patrick@theagriculturalist.com converted from prime agricultural lands to residential areas. hectares, or 46 per cent, as recorded However, something is systemically wrong with by the outdated Agriculture Census of 2007.

Farmers are therefore anxious that Jamaica may the management of our land resources!

Despite continuous shifting of a large acreage of find it difficult to meet local food demands as the island continues to squander large acreage of prime arable land into housing, the island’s housing solutions are woefully adequate. agricultural lands.

The reality is that we need lands to build houses Things are not looking good for Jamaica’s food as much as we need lands to do farming. security.

However, the lack of transparency and mistrust of On the one hand, we are losing the most fertile soils, while on the other side the island’s food im- the system is creating confusion.

The Agricultural Land Management Division ports expenditures are climbing at a rapid rate and (ALMD), Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agrishould reach the US$1 billion mark by 2020.

The government and agricultural stakeholders culture and Fisheries, which “aims to establish a dymust energetically address the startling reality that namic land market that promotes efficient use of Jamaican farmers cannot compete with imported land resources,” should play a more active role in agricultural products while they continue to work managing such priceless natural resources. small acreages of poor-quality farmlands.

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Publisher & Editor:

Patrick Maitland Consulting Editors: Novell Quest, Vincent Wright, Jairzenho Bailey Produced & Published by:

Agri Life Foundation Ltd The opinions expressed in this newspaper, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Agriculturalist and its publishers. Please send your comments or suggestions to editor@theagriculturalist.com. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all articles will be published.

AMC Complex, 188 Spanish Town Road, Kingston 11, Jamaica, W.I. Tel: (876) 923-7471• 923-7428 agriculturalist@gmail.com; editor@theagriculturalist.com www.theagriculturalist.com

4 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • MARCH-APRIL 2019

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NEWS

JAMAICAN PEPPERS ARE A ‘HOT ITEM’ AND A COMMODITY IN GREAT DEMAND: J.C. Hutchinson (5th r), Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, discusses hot pepper production with (l-r) Courtney Cole, Chief Technical Director, Special Projects, Lisa Myers Morgan, Principal Research Director, Dermon Spence, Acting Permanent Secretary and Carla Douglas, Senior Research Director, at the Ministry's Certification Regulations for Hot Pepper Production Seminar held at Jamaica Drip Irrigation Ltd in Kendal, Manchester, on February 26, 2019. Hot pepper is one of the priority crops being promoted by the Government for sale in both the local and export markets.

Jamaican peppers, a hot commodity -Hutchinson M

inister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon J.C. Hutchinson says Jamaican peppers are a “hot item” and a commodity in great demand. Minister Hutchinson made this comment while delivering the keynote address at a workshop for the certification of Jamaican hot peppers, held February 26 at the Jamaica Drip Irrigation Ltd. complex in Kendal, Manchester.

“The annual global production of fresh peppers for export, Minister Hutchinson said, is estimated at approximately 30 million tonnes.” Jamaica, he added produces a mere 0.04 per cent of that global demand.

Against that background, the Minister said, there are opportunities for growth and expansion of the hot pepper industry. He pointed to initiatives in response to the vast potential for increased pepper production, identifying the Hounslow Agro-Park and the proposed Agro-economic Zone at Holland, both in St Elizabeth as two of the targeted production areas.

Hot peppers are among the priority crops being promoted by the Government for increased production and productivity

to meet demands in both the local and export markets.

Welcoming the training workshop, Minister Hutchinson endorsed its aim, under the theme, “Increasing the Production and Quality of Hot Pepper Seeds.”

The pepper production workshop was the first of three organised as a collaborative effort between the Research and Development Division and the Plant Quarantine Division of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries to train RADA Extension Officers, Farmers and Nursery Operators regarding the certification requirements for hot pepper seed and seedling production.

The training objectives are to: • Increase the capacity for high quality Scotch Bonnet pepper seed production.

• Increase the production of quality declared Scotch Bonnet Seeds by 5%.

• Develop a local, red, hot pepper seed production programme.

• Develop the national capacity for high quality Scotch Bonnet and other hot pepper seedling production.

• Implement a national technology transfer programme for hot pepper seed and seedling productio.

JBI to facilitate investment and modernisation of plants and access to bauxite reserves.

By: Latonya Linton This is according to the he primary focus of the Ja2019/20 Public Bodies Estimates maica Bauxite Institute (JBI) of Revenue and Expenditure. for 2019/20 remains facilitation of The Institute plans to the industry in respect of increascarry out its role by ensuring alloing investment and modernisation cation and efficient use of bauxite of plants, consistent with sound reserves, managing and protecting environmental practices; and acbauxite lands and promoting the cess to bauxite reserves. welfare of communities impacted This is according to the by bauxite mining operations, en2019/20 Public Bodies Estimates couraging the efficient production of Revenue and Expenditure. of alumina from bauxite, and full The Institute plans to carry Clarence Osbourne compliance with agreements and out its role by ensuring allocation environmental regulations.

Director, JBI and efficient use of bauxite reFocus will also be placed serves, managing and protecting bauxite lands and promoting the welfare of communities im- on verifying bauxite-consumption data and pacted by bauxite mining operations, encour- strengthening the quality of human resources, aging the efficient production of alumina from thus enabling the Institute to achieve effibauxite, and full compliance with agreements ciency in its functions.

The JBI was established by the Governand environmental regulations.

The primary focus of the Jamaica Baux- ment in 1975 as a regulatory, planning and deite Institute (JBI) for 2019/20 remains facili- velopment agency to manage the sovereign tation of the industry in respect of increasing aspects of the Government’s participation in investment and modernisation of plants, con- the bauxite/alumina industry. sistent with sound environmental practices;

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MARCH-APRIL 2019 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 5

NEWS Food Safety and Security Conference for June 11-12

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lans are in high gear for the Food Hygiene Bureau staging of the Caribbean 8th International Conference in Food Safety and Security set for June 11-12, 2019 at Iberostar Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

CEO of the Food Hygiene Bureau and Conference chair Marva Hewitt said, under the theme, “Caribbean Preparedness ..Regulatory perspective,” several food safety experts from the Caribbean, India, Canada, USA, China and Europe will speak on burning issues on new technologies in agriculture, novel foods control, food hazards, export readiness and a borderless tourism culture.

Specialised workshops and award of Core Professional Development (CPDs) professional certification will be issued to participants in the following training sessions- microbiology of significance, auditing HACCP systems in food premises, allergen risk assessment and food managers certification.

Marva Hewitt CEO, Food Hygiene Bureau Conference chair

Early bird registration ends on April 30. For booking and further details visit foodsafetyconferencejamaica.com; Email: info@foodhygienebureau.co or call 8766653920; 876-2794265 and 4407908756597

Order your copies of

FARMERS ALMANAC 2020

Call 923-7471

agriculturalist@gmail.com

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Saluting Our Farmers

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EĞǁ &ŽƌĞƐƚ /ƌƌŝŐĂƚŝŽŶ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ͕ DĂŶĐŚĞƐƚĞƌ dĞů͗ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϯϳϭ-Ϭϳϵϰ dĞ

^ƚ͘ ůŝnjĂďĞƚŚ /ƌƌŝŐĂƟŽŶ Θ ƌĂŝŶĂŐĞ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ dĞů͗ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϵϲϱ-Ϭϳϭϰ Žƌ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϰϴϵ-ϴϵϭϴ

ƌĂĐŽ /ƌƌŝŐĂƚŝŽŶ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ͕ ƵŶĐĂŶƐ͕ dƌĞůĂǁŶLJ dĞů͗ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϵϱϰ-Ϯϭϰϳ Žƌ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϰϴϵ-ϵϬϵϱ dĞ

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zĂůůĂŚƐ /ƌƌŝŐĂƚŝŽŶ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ͕ ^ƚ͘ dŚŽŵĂƐ zĂ

dĞů͗ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϳϬϲ-ϯϭϱϵ Žƌ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϰϴϵ-ϴϵϭϮ dĞ ϭϵϭ KůĚ ,ŽƉĞ ZŽĂĚ͕ <ŝŶŐƐƚŽŶ ϲ dĞů͗ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϵϳϳ-ϰϬϮϮͬϲϳϮϳ͕ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϲϭϴ-ϬϭϳϮ͘

dŚĞ KƉĞƌĂƟŽŶ ĞŶƚƌĞ ϭϱ ĂƌƌĞƩ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ ^ƉĂŶŝƐŚ dŽǁŶ͕ ^ƚ͘ ĂƚŚĞƌŝŶĞ dĞů͗ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϵϴϰ-ϬϲϮϱͬϱϳϵϮ͕ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϰϲϵ-ϭϵϭϬ͘

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ŶŝĐΛĐǁ ǁũũĂŵĂŝĐĂ͘ĐŽŵ ϭϳ ĂƌƌĞƚƚ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ ^ƉĂŶŝƐŚ d dŽ ŽǁŶ͕ dĞů͗ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϵϴϰ-Ϯϯϯϰ Žƌ ;ϴϳϲͿ ϰϴϵ-ϴϴϬϭ dĞ

ΛŶŝĐůƚĚ ĚũũĂŵĂŝĐĂ ΛE/ ::ĂŵĂŝĐĂ

Floyd Green assigns to MICAF resources to satisfy the objecewly appointed Minister of tives of the project plans.

State in the Ministry of InAs a part of an exclusive work dustry, Commerce, Agriculture agenda, Mr. Green, who was and Fisheries (MICAF), Floyd previously the State Minister in Green has been assigned to the the Ministry of Education, Industry and Commerce portfoYouth and Information, plans lio of the Ministry. to support young business This was announced by owners, prioritizing Micro, portfolio Minister, Audley Shaw, Small & Medium Enterprises as the Ministers met with direc(MSMEs) and exploring finantors of the Ministry and its agencial services, business stratecies in a planning meeting on gies and related networks February 27, 2019. available to them. State MinisGreen was officially welter Green says he will be forFloyd Green comed to the Ministry and introduced to the team by the Audley State Minister, MICAF warding critical legislations, as well as monitoring the improveShaw. ment of Jamaica’s ranking in the ease of In his opening remarks, Green highlighted his intention to fast track the pace of doing business.

In addition to the agencies under the implementation of policies and initiatives under the Commerce and Industry portfolio. agricultural and fisheries as well as its inHe has committed to focusing on the vestment portfolios, MICAF has a wide speed of project execution within the min- range of agencies and divisions under the inistry, by coordinating and directing project dustry and commerce portfolio.

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Heron appointed ED of JBS OUR, Heron had regulatory reenator Matthew Samuda, sponsibility for the electricity and Chairman of the Standards water sectors and chaired the Council has announced that Quality Management and Risk Hopeton Heron, a former Deputy Management Steering commitDirector General of the Office of tees.

Utilities Regulation (OUR), has Heron is regarded as a stratebeen appointed Executive Director gic leader, committed to an enof the Bureau of Standards Jaabling environment of sustained maica (BSJ), effective March 1, viability, Senator Samuda, in 2019. making the announcement to the Heron, an engineer, has also had stints at the Petroleum Corpo- Hopeton Heron, Management and Staff of the BSJ on Friday, indicated that Heron’s ration of Jamaica (PCJ), the NaED, BSJ skills and abilities would augur tional Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Jamaica Public well for the organization that has seen a shift in focus to the facilitation of industry.

Service Company Ltd. As Deputy Director General of the

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Agri Gets £16.7 M to modernise Production Continued from page 1 These structures will incorporate both renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.

CDB Director of Projects, Daniel Best, said the project is aligned with the recently launched Essex Valley Agricultural Project in St. Elizabeth and once again demonstrated how strategic investments in agriculture could help transform the region’s economies.

“We know that agriculture has the potential to drive economic growth in the Caribbean and so we’re excited to support this very significant project. A preliminary finding from an ongoing CDB-financed study -- the ‘State of Agriculture in the Caribbean’, is the need for modernisation of our systems, techniques and structures to push agriculture to the next level. We know that farming done right can create better lives and reduce poverty in our communities. This project is geared to helping make that happen for Jamaicans and we are pleased to partner with the

government and people of Jamaica on it,” said Best. He also highlighted the project’s focus on creating linkages with other industries, particularly retail, processing and tourism, adding: “Aligning agriculture and tourism, another major industry in Jamaica, was also a key factor in our support for this project. As it stands right now, the demands of high value markets within the tourism and retail sectors are largely met by imports. If we equip our farmers with state-of-the-art systems, they can provide high quality, safe and nutritious products to those markets in a timely and consistent manner.”

The project is consistent CDB's corporate priority of supporting agriculture and rural development and its strategic objectives of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth. It also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to end poverty and zero hunger as well as SDG 5 of gender equality and SDG 8 of decent work and economic growth.

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MARCH-APRIL 2019 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 7

NEWS

Banana Growers’ chairman resigns amidst controversy

By Patrick Maitland Editor-The Agriculturalist hree months after he was elected chairman of the All-Island Banana Growers Association (AIBGA), Bryan Henry, has resigned claiming evidence of dishonest and poor governance of the 73-year-old farmers’ organisation.

In a letter to the Association’s board of directors dated April 3, Henry said there were fundamental differences between himself and general manager Donald Elvey regarding the governance of the AIBGA. “These differences, in my opinion, will result in a continuous conflict which will not augur well for the organisation,” Henry explains.

However, in a prompt response, Elvey thanked Henry for offering his resignation claiming that, “together with several growers, I am of the firm belief that you have done the honourable thing given the demand from farmers that you tender your resignation given the chaos you have caused.”

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Bryan Henry Former Chairman, AIBGA

Donald Elvey General Manager, AIBGA

The general manager also argued that with Henry’s departure, “the feeling amongst

the growers, management and staff are that the AIBGA will once again resume its tra-

Coconut Board Implementing Measures to Grow the Industry BY: LATONYA LINTON, JIS he Coconut Industry Board (CIB) will be undertaking measures in the new financial year aimed at expanding the industry.

This entity is looking to acquire property at Water Valley in St. Mary or other location to establish a new seed garden, nursery and farm that will facilitate the construction of coconut water and oil factories.

In addition, the organisation will set 400,000 coconut seeds with an anticipated germination rate of 50 per cent (200,000); distribute 100,000 coconut seedlings to qualified farmers; and plant at least 20 acres of coconut trees from approximately 4,000 seedlings.

The information is contained in the 2019/20 Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure.

In addition, the CIB aims to export a minimum of 60,000 seed coconuts at an estimated gross revenue of $24.57 million, up from earnings of $22.88 million from 57,500 seed coconuts in 2018.

Meanwhile, the Board’s Research Department will seek to create high-yield and disease-resistant coconut palm varieties through the use of molecular techniques and tissue culture.

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This is in response to operational and environmental challenges facing the industry such as disease and pest infestation of the trees and nuts, unpredictable weather and natural disaster, increased price inputs, and praedial larceny.

Based on the CIB’s increased operational activities the Board is projecting an operating deficit of $246.41 million as against a deficit of $129.69 million in 2018.

Established under the Coconut Industry Control Act, 1945, the CIB has responsibility for promoting the interest and efficiency of the coconut industry; encouraging the production of coconuts; regulating the purchase, sale and export of coconuts; as well as the importation of coconut products and substitutes.

Plant Pathologist at the Coconut Industry Board, Dr Wayne Myrie demonstrates the use of a climbing implement during a recent field day with farmers in St Mary. According to Dr Myrie he first saw the equipment in 2015 during a visit to Kochi, India. “The climbing implement could revolutionise our local coconut Industry. I bought one of the implement and brought to Jamaica.

Stakeholders in the local industry have responded well to this harvesting technology,” he noted.

harvesting technology

jectory of growth and buoyancy.”

However, in a series of email between the former chairman and the general manager obtained by The Agriculturalist, Henry described Elvey’s behaviour “as a show of dishonesty instead of ignorance. Dishonesty against the background that you (Mr Elvey) have deliberately continued to rob the poor banana and plantain farmers of good governance.”

“Knowingly taking advantage of directors who even though have an email address, do not have ready access to the internet. You have continued to manipulate the board to the detriment of the organisation only for your selfish gain,” Henry claimed.

The AIBGA was established in 1946 to promote, encourage, foster, develop and institute measures for the well-being of banana growers of Jamaica and to protect and advance their interests. It was to give growers an influential voice in the management of their industry.

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MARCH-APRIL 2019 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 9

NEWS

FARMERS’ MONTH CELEBRATIONS: Lenworth Fulton (2nd left), President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), welcomes Champion Farmer 2018 Martin Zsifkovics to the launch of National Farmers’ Month, held at the JAS headquarters in downtown Kingston on April 3, 2019. Others from left are Hedda Pitter, Business Development Manager, Newport-Fersan, and Peter Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Rural Agricultural Development Authority. This year is the 36th anniversary of Farmers Month, held annually to celebrate the work of Jamaican farmers.

Bernard Lodge Farmers Association hires prominent law firm T

he Bernard Lodge Farmers Association has retained the services of law firm Knight, Junor and Samuels as it steps up its fight against the government's repossession of lands occupied by members of the association in St Catherine.

This was revealed at a meeting of the farmers on Sunday.

The Farmers' Association is now demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Bernard Lodge Master Plan Enterprise Team as a condition for further dialogue on the matter.

The farmers have mounted a fierce campaign, complaining about the manner in which they are being evicted from the property, and the proposed site of their relocation.

They had also threatened legal action if the issues were not resolved.

Hugh Johnson, a spokesman for the group said that the farmers’ association will be joining with other groups in the fight for “justice”.

“Understanding the issues at play, they have expressed their willingness, in teaming up with us, to ask the government to deal equitably with the farmers,” he said.

Agri Staff Movement President of the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), Dr Derrick Deslandes, was in March 2019 appointed the chairman of the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) following the resignation of Senior Veterinary in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture &

Fisheries, Dr Trudi Stewart-Gaynor.

Livestock specialist Dean Avril was offered a two-year contract as Chief Executive Officer of the Board.

Shaun Baugh Principal Director at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries is on secondment to take up a post at Caricom.

Allocations boosted for agriculture Hugh Johnson

Mr Johnson said the farmers group would not have any further dialogue with the Bernard Lodge Master Plan Enterprise Team "until they would have apologised to us and with those derogatory statements made about the farmers..."

The objectionable statements related to claims that the farmers were unable to pay for the lands which they had leased and which the government now wants to divest to private interests, he said.

"We're asking the Prime Minister to remove this chairman (of the Enterprise Team), for us to have dialogue, or remove the minister, and if that fails, we'll even ask for further removals," he said.

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he government has boosted allocations for activities in agriculture, and to improve the provision of water to rural communities during the new financial year.

In the area of agriculture, J$1.1 billion has been allocated to support development, expansion and rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure.

Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke, who made the announcement as he opened the 2019/20 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday, said the aim is to make more irrigable lands available for agricultural purposes and reduce farmers' reliance on rainwater.

Another $752 million is ear-

marked to continue rehabilitation and development of major rural farm roads $326 million will be spent to continue development of the Spring Gardens Agro Park to improve on-farm roads, rehabilitation of the existing packing house, and installation of pumping equipment, as well as river training structures to reduce flooding and soil erosion.

Meanwhile, Dr. Clarke says $795 million will be allocated to facilitate works by Rural Water Supply Limited, to upgrade systems in several parishes.

This will involve the rehabilitation of catchment tanks; and installation of guttering, storage and solar pumps in schools and public institutions.

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MARCH-APRIL 2019 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 11

NEWS Gov to reverse sale of AMC complex

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Retirees from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries who served for between six and 41 years as public servants pose with Acting Permanent Secretary, Dermon Spence (c) at the Ministry’s the Recognition Ceremony for Retirees held at the Knutsford Court Hotel on March 28, 2019 Minister of Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw (r) greets Deidre Latibeaudiere, Senior Director, Human Resource Management and Development (l) and Clovis Bryan retiree who served in the Ministry for 40 years to the Recognition Ceremony for Retirees held at the Knutsford Court Hotel on March 28.

Shaw Hails Ag Ministry Retirees M

inister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw on Thursday, March 28, paid tribute to some 51 former employees of his Ministry who, having served between six and 41 years as public servants have proceeded on retirement.

Minister Shaw was speaking at the recognition ceremony in honour of the retirees held at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston.

Hailing the former Government employees for their stellar achievement, Minister Shaw told them, “Nation building is no easy task and through your many years of

service, you have demonstrated your dedication to service and your love for country, even as you pursued your personal goals and self-actualisation”. “Employment in the civil service,” he added, “continues to be among the noblest of professions and a career path worth pursuing”.

Minister Shaw thanked the former Ministry employees for their years of dedicated service and urged them to utilise their vast reservoir of knowledge and experience as well as their talents to be active participants in building Jamaica, one community at a time.

Guest speaker at the retirement function, Wayne Jones, deputy financial secre-

tary with responsibility for at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, announced that with the new pension system to be launched soon, retirees could expect to receive their pensions within a month of their retirement.

This would be made possible, Mr Jones said, under the Public Employees Pension Administration System (PEPAS), subject to the provision of accurate data for processing of the pensions.

The deputy financial secretary encouraged the retirees to embark on activities to transfer their knowledge and experience and also to monetize their skills.

abinet has received a submission from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, seeking to reverse plans to sell the Agricultural Marketing Corporation (AMC) complex on Spanish Town Road in Kingston.

Portfolio Minister Audley Shaw, who said the nine-acre property was put up for sale in January 2016, reiterated plans to transform the complex into a modern agroprocessing facility.

The complex was previously used to package exports and process produce for local distribution.

Shaw indicated that other agro-processing centres will be established across the island.

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SCJ Holdings diffuses tension with Bernard Lodge farmers BERNARD LODGE, ST. CATHERINE: CJ Holdings is seeking to diffuse tension with farmers occupying the Bernard Lodge lands in St. Catherine.

Joseph Shoucair, the company's chairman, has admitted that inadequate notice was given to the farmers to relocate.

However, Mr. Shoucair said they are getting a good deal.

"We are meeting with them on a oneon-one basis now to say, 'Pay me for what I have or give me time to reap it' and in either event, we will agree. This week, the first batch of farmers, each person will receive a letter which will have attached to it a copy of the valuation of their holdings done by RADA and indicating the amount of compensation that will be payable," he said.

The farmers have been complaining about the manner in which they are being evicted from the property, and the proposed site for their relocation.

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Food imports affect sustainable national food security Continued from page 5 The increasing food imports are of national importance because of its current adverse effects on economic stability, social calm and the well-being of the Jamaican population resulting from the closure of farms, agro-processing facilities, factories and the high rate of unemployment in rural communities.

If Jamaica is to achieve its 2030 vision plan the following should be considered: • The establishment of the Market Access Council is a mechanism for the effective monitoring of agricultural produce imported into Jamaica and also the controlling of

granting of import permits.

• The tracking of import permits to ensure that there is no distortion in the marketplace nor the creations of gluts.

• The formation and functioning of this Council will not impact Jamaica’s present international trading arrangements including Caribbean Canada Trading Arrangement (CARIBCAN); the Caribbean and the European Islands Co-operation Arrangement (CARIFLORA) and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), WTO, and the Association of Caribbean States.

• Recent reports from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization encour-

age member states to monitor and control the movement of agricultural commodities to safeguard their food security, consistent with the realities of World Trade Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regimes.

The expected outcome of this Market Access Mechanism are: • Assurance of stability in Jamaica’s agriculture and food production systems thereby creating greater access and opportunities to the Jamaican farmers.

• Higher and broader participation in the decision-making process in respect to granting import permits, thus eliminating bias and encouraging the sourcing of locally-produced food before attempting to import.

In the operation of government, one has to be conscious of the requirement to finance activities of this nature. It is for this reason that I propose that similar financing mechanisms allow for partial financing by the relevant application fees paid for imports permits.

The Government should be asked to consider a bipartisan approach for the establishment of this broad-based oversight Market Access Council to grant permission for food imports and monitor such imports into Jamaica to be supported by a modern national agricultural market intelligence system and a local food production database.

12 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • MARCH-APRIL 2019

COMMUNITY PHOTOS

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Hi-Pro brings JEFA’s ‘Queggs’ to Hague

Caribbean MSME Conference: Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF), Hon. Floyd Green (right), in discussion with (from left) President, Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ), Hugh Johnson; and Chairman of the 2019 Caribbean Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Conference, Dr. Blossom O’Mealy-Nelson, at the media launch of the Caribbean MSME Conference, at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices, on March 20, 2019.

This year’s conference will be hosted by the Small Business Association of Jamaica in collaboration with Ministry’s MSME Division and will be held April 16-18, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, under the theme ‘Improving Sustainability Through Resource Development’.

On his tour of the Hi-Pro booth at the Hague Agricultural show, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw prepares to sample his gourmet egg treat as Hi-Pro’s Assistant Vice President Jaime Ogilvie looks on.

Growth Inducement Programme: Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw (r), greets Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Strategies Limited, Senator Aubyn Hill (left), at the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s (PIOJ) Inaugural Economic Growth Forum at the Terra Nova AllSuites Hotel, on March 14, 2019. Others (from left) are Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Pearnel Charles Jr; and Member of Parliament for Central Manchester, Peter Bunting. The PIOJ Growth Inducement Programme hosted its Forum under the theme ‘From Elusive to Inclusive Growth’.

Marina Young (second left), Principal Director of Technical Services at RADA and RADA Executive Secretary, Kay Grant join JAS President Lenworth Fulton and Hi-Pro Operations Manager, Tricia Jackson as they consider possibilities for the future of Queggs in the Jamaican market.

Onion production: Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw (left), listens keenly as Farm Operations Manager at Dencon Foods and Farm in Clarendon, Nicholas Duke (stooping), explains methods of onion production at the company, during a tour of the farm on March 21. Also on the tour (from second left) are Chief Executive Officer of the company, Hurshel Cyrus; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dermon Spence, and Chairman of Dencon, Clive Blackwood.

Hi-Pro Store Operations Manager, Tricia Jackson shares a jovial moment with Director of Sales & Marketing at Best Dressed Chicken, Michael Jones over their freshly-made Queggs.

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MARCH-APRIL 2019 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 13

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

COMMUNITY PHOTOS Hardware & Lumber Ltd donates $1M to residents of the Accompong Maroon Village

Joseph Austin Gyles, JP National Irrigation Commission Limited, CEO

Joseph Gyles: a visionary leader J

oseph Austin Gyles has been serving the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Irrigation Commission Limited (NIC) since October 2017.

Before his appointment he held various positions at NIC including Water Utilization Officer; Regional Systems Manager; Principal Engineer and acting Director of Engineering & Technical Services.

His qualifications include a Master of Science Degree in Engineering Management from the Florida International University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from the University of the West Indies. He was also trained in Land and Water Development at Delft University, Netherlands.

Before joining the NIC, Gyles worked as a Section Supervisor at St. Mary Banana Estate where his job involved the management and supervision of over 150 workers carrying out agricultural activities in banana production. Gyles’ introduction to the field of agriculture came about serendipitously when he enrolled in the Elim Agricultural School and later attended the former College of Agriculture.

He has been described as a visionary leader on a mission and a stickler for excellence on the job.

Gyles has declared to his clients as well as staff members on several occasions that he does not want to be an ordinary CEO. “I want to make a positive impact in terms of the quality service that the NIC provides so that our customers are confident with the provisions," he noted.

Therefore, “not an ordinary CEO” means I must be making a mark in the agricultural sector and more specifically, in the quality service that the NIC provides as

enablers of economic growth.”

Gyles is eager to improve efficiency and increase productivity at the NIC and is a firm believer that automation is the answer. He has set a target to automate some manual processes within the NIC. The NIC has a robust energy efficiency programme that is near and dear to his heart, and the energy engineers are “kept on their toes” in implementing energy efficiency projects which have achieved significant cost savings for the commission.

He also believes in tooling employees, and as such, a group of technical and senior administrative staff were recently trained in project management.

It is no doubt that leading a government company with over 270 workers is quite challenging. In response to how he manages and minimises stress, Gyles declares that he is a situational leader, “I lead as the situation warrants. So I have a mix/blend of all the styles of leadership, but I lead based on the situation. NIC needs that type of leadership.”

He credits the guidance of the Board of Directors of the NIC and Chairman Senator Aubyn Hill on their excellent governance policy and direction that keep the Commission settled and focused on execution of the high-level strategies in keeping with Vision 2030 Jamaica.

Gyles is a deacon at the Greater Portmore Open Bible Standard Church and serves the community as a Justice of the Peace.

He spends his downtime with his wife Andrea and daughters JoAnn and Jaydene. He is an avid sports fan, and participates in company and community football, cricket games and competitions.

The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, in partnership with Hardware & Lumber Ltd donated over $1 million in redeemable gift cards to the residents of Accompong village, which can be used at any of the 10 H&L Rapid True Value or 5 H&L Agro locations. Present for the hand-over from left are: Simone Mahabeer, Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager, Hardware & Lumber Ltd; Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport; Hon JC Hutchinson, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries; and Olive Downer Walsh, Deputy CEO, Hardware & Lumber Ltd. Minister Grange said, “The Government wants all citizens to be able to take care of their families and do business. We are happy to see that Hardware & Lumber is also appreciative of this fact and their support will definitely go a far way in helping the residents to continue to grow their businesses.” The Economic Opportunities programme is a local networking and business development platform that helps residents by facilitating access to tools, resources and information for the residents.

Olive Downer Walsh, Deputy CEO, Hardware & Lumber Ltd (r) presents grant to Poultry Farmer Shamora Lennon at the Economic Opportunities Workshop Grant Handover Ceremony at the Accompong Maroon Village, St. Elizabeth. Hardware & Lumber Ltd. was on hand to support the awarding of 50 grants to Accompong residents by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

Downer Walsh said, “The Accompong Maroon Village is an important part of Jamaica’s economic development and also our culture as it represents the strength and resilience of our people. Supporting the MCGES and their economic opportunities programme with these gift cards was an easy decision for us and we will continue to look for other ways in which we can lend our support to Colonel Ferron and the Accompong Maroons.” In addition to the financial support from MCGES, the Accompong residents also received H&L loyalty cards to support their long term development.

14 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • MARCH-APRIL 2019

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High Toxicity

SLUGOFF Always exercise caution and wear proper safety gear when handling, preparing and using fungicide; keep out of reach of children.

Refer to Product Instructions for correct usage.

MOLLUSCICIDE

Blue odorless granular bait pellets with a mode of action by contact/ingestion for soil application.

Active Ingredient: Metaldehyde

Available at Hi-Pro Farm Supplies, Pharmacies, Supermarkets, Hardwares and Wholesales islandwide.

Telephone: 984-7918/619-1302

An effective molluscicide that controls snails and slugs in Banana, Plantain, Citrus, Coffee, Cocoa, Papaya, Corn, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Strawberry, Pea, Beans, Peppers, Tomato, Lettuce, Melon, Cucumber, Watermelon, Onions, Garlic, Escallion, Ornamentals, Sugar cane, Turf, Lawns, Pasture and Forage.

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MARCH-APRIL 2019 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 15

Farmers to Learn about Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices

By Chris Patterson ome 5,000 farmers from the parishes of St. Thomas, St. Mary and Portland are to benefit from a €400,000 (J$5.6-million) project, aimed at increasing their capacity to implement climate-smart agricultural practices.

Dubbed, ‘Accelerating the Uptake of Climate-smart Agriculture in Jamaica’, the project is to strengthen the resilience to climate extremes and improve agricultural productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers in Jamaica through the promotion of widespread adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices that are most aligned with national policy priorities.

The project is being funded by the Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation (CTA), based in the Netherlands.

Some 5,000 farmers from the parishes of St. Thomas, St. Mary and Portland are to benefit from a €400,000 (J$5.6-million) project, aimed at increasing their capacity to implement climate-smart agricultural practices.

Dubbed, ‘Accelerating the Uptake of Climate-smart Agriculture in Jamaica’, the project is to strengthen the resilience to climate extremes and improve agricultural productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers in Jamaica through the promotion of widespread adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices that are most aligned with national policy priorities.

The project is being funded by the Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation (CTA), based in the Netherlands.

Chief Executive Officer, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Peter Thompson said increased adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in those parishes is critical and will guide farmers in using best practices for farming.

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Sharing happy moments at the Breakfast Meeting and partnership signing on February 28, 2019 and Spanish Court Hotel, New Kingston are Valerie Veira, Chief Executive Officer, Jamaica Business Development and Peter Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Rural Agricultural Development Authority.

Integrated Pest Management I

ntegrated Pest Management (IPM) uses compatible strategies to reduce pest numbers and damage, to acceptable levels.

IPM emphasizes minimal negative impacts of pesticides on the environment and human health.

Neighbouring farmers must cooperate with each other for best results.

Strategies include: Cultural – Normal work that makes field conditions best for the crop and worst for the pest. e.g. proper site selection, land preparation, field sanitation, planting time, crop rotation and water management.

Mechanical – The use of greenhouses, crop barriers, hand-picking of pests and insect trapping.

Biological - natural enemies of pests (e.g. ladybird beetles), pest diseases, pheromones, plant juices.

Chemical – using pesticides only when necessary. Choose soaps, oils, botanical and biorationals before harsher pesticides. Biorationals are pesticides of natural origin that have little or no adverse effects on the environment.

IPM Rules for Pesticide Use • Know what problem is affecting the crop

•If a pesticide is needed, use the safest one that will work.

• Read and follow the label • Measure the right amount and mix properly • Where possible, use baits instead of sprays.

• If pests are only in small sections of the field, treat only those sections • Always use the right sprayer and nozzle for the job: o Hollow cone for insecticides and fungicides o Flood jet or fan jet for herbicides.

Summary •Study fields and surroundings; learn about pests, beneficials, other crop problems (e.g. poor nutrition) and their causes,

•Do not try to kill every single pest, most crops bear well even with some pest damage.

Principles of IPM 1. Understand the crop, its environment and how they interact 2. Many disciplines are involved 3. Natural techniques are maximized 4. Pesticides are a last resort Impact of IPM Increased crop yield and quality Reduced losses to pests Reduced health risks Improved environmental quality and food safety 5. Improved farmer earnings 1.

2.

3.

4.

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Email: executive@rada.gov.jm 876-977-1158-62 Fax: 876-970-4660

16 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • MARCH-APRIL 2019

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS The outlook for agriculture

Agricultural trade deficits of developing countries will worsen Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations he rate of growth in world demand for agricultural products has slowed, because population growth has declined and fairly high levels of food consumption have been reached in many countries. Growth in demand will slow still further in the future. The world as a whole has the production potential to cope with demand.

However, developing countries will become more dependent on agricultural imports, and food security in many poor areas will not improve without substantial increases in local production.

So far, world agriculture has been able to respond to the rising demand for crop and livestock products. Although the world's population doubled between 1960 and 2000 and levels of nutrition improved markedly, the prices of rice, wheat and maize - the world's major food staples - fell by around 60 percent.

The fall in prices indicates that, globally, supplies not only kept pace with demand, but even outstripped it.

Although global demand for agricultural products has continued to rise, it has done so less rapidly in recent decades. Between 1969 and 1989 demand grew at an average of 2.4 percent a year, but this fell to only 2 percent in the decade from 1989.

Apart from temporary factors (foremost among them a decline in consumption in the transition economies in the 1990s), there were

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two more enduring reasons for the slowdown: The growth rate of world population peaked in the late 1960s at 2 percent a year and slowed thereafter.

A rising proportion of the world's population had reached fairly high levels of food consumption, so the scope for further increase was limited. By 1997-99, 61 percent of the world's population were living in countries where average food consumption per person was above 2 700 kcal per day.

Demand for agricultural products will continue to grow more slowly These factors will continue to influence trends in demand over the next three decades.

For example, world population will go on rising, but less rapidly, growing at an average of 1.1 percent a year up to 2030, compared with 1.7 percent a year over the past 30 years.

By 1997-99, 61 percent of the world's population were living in countries where average food consumption per person was above 2 700 kcal per day.

As a result, future demand for agricultural products is expected to slow further - to 1.6 percent a year for the period 1997-99 to 2015 and to 1.4 percent for 2015 to 2030. In developing countries the slowdown will be more dramatic, from 3.7 percent for the past 30 years to an average 2 percent for the next 30.

The forces underlying this slowdown can be seen in the example of China, which has been one of the major engines of growth in the demand for food and agricultural products in the world and in the developing countries over the past few decades. By 1997-99 the Chinese had reached an average daily food consumption of 3 040 kcal - only 10 percent short of the level in industrial countries.

Over the next three decades the country's aggregate food consumption is expected to grow at only a quarter of the rate seen in the past three decades, while its population will grow at a third of its past rate. Given the sheer size of China's population, these shifts alone will have a huge effect on the global situation.

Many other countries, including some of the largest ones, will be undergoing very similar shifts that will further lower the growth of demand.

India's daily average food energy intake per person is still below 2 500 kcal, a level at which there is considerable scope for further increases, while her population will be growing at an average of over 1 percent a year over the next 30 years. Could India take over China's role as a major engine of growth in

world agricultural demand? This is not expected, because India's cultural traditions favour vegetarianism, which will hold back the country's demand for meat and animal feeds at rates well below those seen in China.

Traditionally, the developing countries as a whole have had a net surplus in agricultural trade. In value terms this peaked at US$17.5 billion in 1977. The trend since then has been for their imports to grow faster than their exports. The agricultural trade balance of the developing countries has gradually dwindled until, by the mid-1990s, it was more often negative than positive. The highest recorded deficit was US$6 billion, in 1996.

This overall trend masks a complex picture which varies from one commodity to another and from one country to another. The drastic decline in developing countries' net surplus in sugar, oilseeds and vegetable oils, for example, reflects growing consumption and imports in several developing countries and the effects of protectionist policies in the major industrial countries. For commodities produced almost entirely in developing countries and consumed predominantly in the industrial countries, such as coffee and cocoa, slow growth in demand prevented the trade balance of the developing countries from improving.

Fluctuating and, on balance, declining prices further contributed to the problem. The projections to 2030 show the agricultural trade deficit of developing countries growing still further.

Monsanto to pay cancer patient $80M SAN FRANCISCO, USA: U.S. jury on Wednesday awarded $80 million in damages to a California man who blamed Roundup weed killer for his cancer, in a case that his attorneys say could help determine the fate of hundreds of similar lawsuits.

The six-person jury in San Francisco returned its verdict in favor of Edwin Hardeman, 70, who said he used Roundup products to treat poison oak, overgrowth and weeds on his San Francisco Bay Area property for years. The same jury previously found that Roundup was a substantial factor in Hardeman's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Agribusiness giant Monsanto says studies have established that the active ingredient in its widely used weed killer, glyphosate, is safe. The company said it will appeal.

"We are disappointed with the jury's decision, but this verdict does not change the weight of over four decades of extensive science and the conclusions of regulators worldwide that support the safety of our glyphosate-based herbicides and that they are not carcinogenic," according to a statement from Bayer, which acquired Monsanto last year.

A different jury in August awarded another man $289 million, but a judge later slashed it to $78 million. Monsanto has appealed.

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Hardeman's trial may be more significant than that case. U.S. Judge Vince Chhabria is overseeing hundreds of Roundup lawsuits and has deemed Hardeman's case and two others "bellwether trials."

The outcome of such cases can help attorneys decide whether to keep fighting similar lawsuits or settle them.

Legal experts said verdicts in favor of Hardeman and the other test plaintiffs would give their attorneys a strong bargaining position in any settlement talks for the remaining cases before Chhabria.

Many government regulators have rejected a link between cancer and glyphosate. Monsanto has vehemently denied such a connection, saying hundreds of studies have established that the chemical is safe.

Monsanto developed glyphosate in the 1970s, and the weed killer is now sold in more than 160 countries and widely used in the U.S. The herbicide came under increasing scrutiny after the France-based International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization, classified it as a "probable human carcinogen" in 2015.

Lawsuits against Monsanto followed, and thousands are now pending nationwide.

Monsanto has attacked the international research agency's opinion as an outlier.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says glyphosate is safe for people when used in accordance with label directions.

NOTICE ALL UNREGISTERED COFFEE FARMERS • Are you a Coffee Farmer?

• Have you BEEN REGISTERED with the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA)?

• You are not sure?

Please contact the JACRA Head Office: At 876- 536-1706/ 876-536-1740/876-758-3903 Mondays to Fridays between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm In order to verify your registration status.

FERTILIZER PROGRAMME • As a Coffee farmer you were registered

BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2017 • You have not received fertilizer benefit, please contact JACRA Head Office at: 876- 536-1706/ 876-536-1740/; 876-758-3903 on Mondays to Fridays between 8:30 am and 4:00pm

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MARCH-APRIL 2019 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 17

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Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries

CONCH CLOSE SEASON BEGINS MARCH 1

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he Honourable Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries has declared, by Order, a Close Season for queen conch (Genus Strombus) for the period March 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020.

Persons in possession of conch meat and/or conch opercula Every person buying conch during the first 21 days of the close must make two (2) declarations as follows: season must: (1) ensure that the seller is in lawful possession of the conch; and (2) keep a record of the identity of the seller and 1. The first should be made no later than March 7, 2019 the date and the quantity of conch purchased.

2. The second should be made no later than March 28, 2019 During the period March 22, 2019 to January 31, 2020, it All declarations of conch products in storage must satisfy the SHALL be illegal for any person to sell, process or import following conditions: conch meat and/or conch opercula.

1. Made in writing on the standard declaration form entitled “Declaration of Conch Products in Storage” All conch meat and conch opercula in the possession of any per2. Duly signed and dated by the person making the declaration son after March 21, 2019 which have not been inspected and 3. The original must be sent to, The Licensing Authority, Fish- verified by the Fisheries Division via a Certificate of Conch eries Division, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Products in storage SHALL be seized and the person in posFisheries, 2c Newport East, Kingston 11. session thereof SHALL be liable to prosecution and a fine or 4. In addition to the original, scanned copies may be sent by imprisonment in default of payment of such fine. email to fisheries_jamaica@live.com . The subject of the email should read, “Declaration of Conch in Storage.”

Who Must Make the Declaration: Any person found in possession of conch meat and/or conch opercula for commercial purposes including, but not limited to: i. the name of the person having possession of the conch meat fishers, vendors, middlemen, wholesalers, cold storage facility and/or conch opercula; operators, stores operators at hotels and restaurants, cook shop ii. the quantity by weight of conch opercula; operators, all operators of eating establishments and jewelry esiii. the quantity by weight of conch meat; tablishments and any other establishment in possession of conch iv. the processing level of conch (that is 50%, 65%, 85%, 100% opercula for commercial purposes. (fillet) or ground).

Declaration of Conch in Storage Forms Further, where applicable, any person storing conch meat and/or conch opercula on behalf of others must, in addition to their Standard Declaration of Conch in Storage forms may be reown declaration, also declare the name of the owners, the quan- ceived from the Fisheries Division or downloaded from the tities by weight and processing level and the address at which Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries’ the conch meat and or conch opercula are being stored, within website at www.micaf.gov.jm.

72 hours of receipt.

Officers of the Fisheries Division are standing During the period of the close season, it SHALL be illegal for by for any clarification or information the public any person to catch queen conch and/or harvest any conch prodmay require at 876-967-1601, 876-967-2081, ucts (that is, conch shell and conch opercula).

876-948-6933 or 876-948-9014.

Declarations must include the following:

For the first 21 days of the close season (that is March 1, 2019 to March 21, 2019), only conch meats which have been inspected and verified by the Fisheries Division via a Certificate of Conch in storage in 2018 and conch opercula may be sold, processed or imported.

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MARCH - APRIL 2019 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 19

Accompong targeted for Hemp pilot

By Okoye Henry, JIS: inister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, J.C. Hutchinson, says there are plans for a hemp cultivation pilot project in the Maroon community of Accompong, St Elizabeth.

Hutchinson indicated that the Ministry is looking to cultivate 50 acres of the plant for use as raw material in a variety of commercial products, including oils and animal feed.

The proposed venture will complement the Alternative Development Programme (ADP) that was implemented in Accompong and other communities earlier this month, to provide small-scale farmers with a channel through which to benefit from the cannabis (ganja) industry.

“We are going to start in the Big Ground area of Accompong, and once we get that going, we are going to [cultivate all] of it with hemp. Accompong has a lot of land and we want to put everybody to work,” he said.

Hutchinson was speaking at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport ‘Economic Opportunities Workshop’ Grant Handover Ceremony, which was held in the community on March 22.

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JAMAICA LICENSED CANNABIS OPERATORS MEET MINISTER SHAW: Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw (3rd left), along with (from left) Group General Manager, Kaya Inc., Kurt Reid; President, Jamaica Licensed Cannabis Association (JLCA), Hardley Lewin; President, Itopia Life Limited, Joan E. Webley; Chief Executive Officer, Everything Oily Labs Limited, Rory Lui; Managing Director, Jamaica Red Meen Limited, James Morton; and Chief Executive Officer, Sun Spice Seasonings Company Limited, Maurice Ellis, during a courtesy call on April 11, 2019. Minister Shaw met with the Jamaica Licensed Cannabis Association to discuss matters relating to the medical cannabis industry.

CLA Urges Compliance with Regulations

By Rosheika Grant he Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) says compliance with and enforcement of the Authority’s regulations and procedures are critical to the growth of the local medicinal cannabis industry and strengthening the country’s reputation internationally.

Director of Enforcement and Monitoring at

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CLA, Faith Graham, said that “by insisting on a standard for our licence holders and those interested in becoming a part of our local market, we are showing that we operate at an international level as we apply best practices for the global industry”.

Graham, who was speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, noted that the Authority’s regulations for the

industry are important in satisfying the requirements of the United Nations (UN) drug conventions, to which Jamaica is a signatory.

“As a part of our obligation to these conventions, the regulations of the CLA address the handling of ganja for medicinal purposes, which include its transportation, processing, importation and exportation,” she pointed out.

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MARCH-APRIL 2019 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 21

EDUCATION & TRAINING

‘ECO-BASED ADAPTATION STRATEGIES: Omar Hanson (left) of Manchester 4-H Clubs, explains operation of hydroponic system on display to (from left) Audley Shaw, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Ackera Gowie, National 4-H Girl 2012 and National Festival Queen 2018, and Hidran McKulskie, Chairman, Jamaica 4-H Clubs. The occasion was the Jamaica 4-H Clubs National Achievement Day Expo held at Denbigh Showground in Clarendon on April 5, 2019. In keeping with the theme ‘Eco-based Adaptation Strategies: A 4-H Response to Climate Smart Agriculture’, Minister Shaw underscored the importance of practising climate smart agriculture and stated that the irrigation systems in Clarendon and St. Catherine are to be expanded. In the background (from left) are Garfield Ewart, Field Services Director, and Ronald Blake, Executive Director, both of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs.

NATIONAL 4-H BOY AND GIRL OF THE YEAR: Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw (right), converses with 2018 National 4-H Boy of the Year, Sandray Miller (left), and Girl of the Year, Imani Smith, during the Jamaica 4-H Clubs National Achievement Expo, at the Denbigh Agricultural Showground in May Pen, Clarendon, on April 5.

ONION FIELD DAY: Farmers in Llandewey, St. Thomas and extension officers pose for a photo at a recent Onion Field Day staged by the technical staff of Ag Chem Plant Limited in keeping with the company’s ongoing farmers’ training prgramme.

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THE TROPICAL FARMERS’ ALMANAC 2020

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HEALTH Preventing dengue viruses engue is an infection caused by a virus spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

There are four dengue virusescalled Dengue Type 1, 2, 3, and 4.

You can only be infected by each “type” once in your lifetime.

Symptoms usually identified with Dengue Fever are: ✓ Sudden onset of fever ✓ Headache ✓ Pain behind the eyes ✓ Muscle pains ✓ Bone or joint pain ✓ Skin rash ✓ Vomiting or the “feeling to vomit”

✓ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Person with Severe Dengue may have all the symptoms of Dengue fever in addition to: ✓ Severe belly pain ✓ Persistent vomiting

Dengue Prevention: ✓ Stop Aedes mosquito breedingby looking for anything water can settle in and

D

What to do! If you feel you have Dengue Fever: ✓ Visit your health centre or doctor and follow instructions given carefully ✓ Rest ✓ Drink a lot of fluids ✓ Use Paracetamol pain killers ONLY ✓ DO NOT TAKE other pain killer, such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs, as they may increase your risk of bleeding.

✓ Bleeding from the mouth, nose or other unusual places ✓ Bloody or black, sticky stool

✓ Feeling faint ✓ Low energy or restlessness ✓ Small bleeding spots under skin

✓ Cover it ✓ Keep it dry ✓ Clean regularly ✓ Fill it with soil or sand ✓ Punch holes in it ✓ Recycle or dispose ✓ Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes ✓ Use insect repellent containing DEET, IR3535 or PICARIDIN ✓ Use mosquito nets ✓ Use mosquito destroyer ✓ Put screens on window and door ✓ holes in it ✓ or dispose ✓ Take community actions Community members must work together to prevent Aedes breeding in their community.

NUTRITION The importance of water 5. It helps maximize physical performance - Drinking plenty of water during physical activity is essential. Athletes may perspire up to 6 to 10 percent of body weight during physical activity. Hydration also affects your strength, power, and endurance. You may be more susceptible to the effects of dehydration if you’re participating in endurance training or high-intensity sports such as basketball.

T

he water in our bodies is essential for life.

Without water, we can’t survive. Since the water in our bodies is continually being used or lost, it needs to be continually replaced, and the best fluid to replace it with is water.

1. It helps create saliva - Water is a main component of saliva. Saliva also includes small amounts of electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes. It’s essential for breaking down solid food and keeping your mouth healthy. Your body generally produces enough saliva with regular fluid intake. However, your saliva production may decrease as a result of age or certain medications or therapies. If your mouth is drier than usual and increasing your water intake isn’t helping, see your doctor.

2. It regulates your body temperature Staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining your body temperature. Your body loses water through sweat during physical activity and in hot environments. Your sweat keeps your body cool, but your body temperature will rise if you don’t replenish the water you lose.

That’s because your body loses electrolytes and plasma when it’s dehydrated. If you’re sweating more than usual, make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

constipation. Your kidneys are also important for filtering out waste through urination. Adequate water intake helps your kidneys work

more efficiently and helps to prevent kidney stones.

6. It helps prevent constipation- Eating fiber isn’t the only way to prevent constipation. It’s also important to maintain your water intake so your bowel movements contain enough water. If you don’t consume enough water, magnesium, and fiber, you may be more likely to experience constipation. If you’re already constipated, you may find that drinking carbonated water as well as plain water can help ease your symptoms.

HOSSTED BY THE FOOD HYGIENE BUREAU, JAMAICA A

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3. It protects your tissues, spinal cord, and joints - Water consumption helps lubricate and cushion your joints, spinal cord, and tissues. This will help you enjoy physical activity and lessen discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis.

WORKSHOPS

4. It helps excrete waste through perspiration, urination, and defecation - Your body uses water to sweat, urinate, and have bowel movements. Sweat regulates body temperature when you’re exercising or in warm temperatures. You need water to replenish the lost fluid from sweat. You also need enough water in your system to have healthy stool and avoid

FORUM

DR BEN CHAPMAN NORTH CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, USA

PROF. BONNIE LACROIX, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH, CANADA

DR LISA INDAR CARPHA, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

BOB PAYNE, EGW CONSULTING, USA

BRENDA KING MBE, EESC, BRUSSELS

CERTIFICATE T S EXPERTS

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Register Now online www.foodsafetyconferencejamaica.com Or call: 1 (876) 665 3920 (876) 279 4265 info@foodhygienebureau. u co

PROF. SHASHI BHUSHAN VEMURI UNIVERSITY HEAD OF ENTOMOLOGY AT ANGRAU AND PJTSAU

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MARVA HEWITT FHB, JAMAICA

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