The Agriculturalist Newspaper_ Sept-Oct 2018

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Food imports

jump to US$841M

By Patrick Maitland, Editor-The Agriculturalist

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Michael Lee-Chin, a Jamaican-Canadian business magnate, investor, and philanthropist who serves as the Chairman and CEO of Portland Holdings Inc., a privately-held investment holding company headquartered in Ontario, Canada. Forbes Magazine estimates his Net worth at 1.4 billion USD (2018)

Chin donates $60M to assist coffee farmers Story on page 7

s government economists struggle to contain the devaluation of the Jamaican currency, the island’s food imports continue to outperform agricultural export by over 375 percent.

According to data supplied by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, food imports during 2017 were US$841 million, while export of agricultural produce and other commodities struggled at US$224 million.

The island is now a net importer of several raw and manufactured products, including rice, sugar, coffee, cocoa, citrus, banana, pimento and ginger, as well as fish, milk, meat, and other livestock products.

Just over US$21.69 million was used to import 31,965,275 kilograms of the popular chicken neck and backs. Chicken leg quarters and other poultry meat are often imported. However, with very high import taxes imposed by the government, local farmers are well protected from cheaper imports.

Continued on page 5

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SEPT - OCT 2018 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 3

EDITORIAL

Jamaica needs a plan to boost agri exports!

Despite government efforts to stimulate growth in the Jamaican economy, a weak increase in agricultural export and spiraling food imports receipts are threatening the nation’s prosperity agenda.

It is very depressing to say that during the past 15 years, imported food products have averaged more than US$830 million, while export have struggled at US$210 million. The island is now a net importer of several raw and manufactured products, including rice, sugar, coffee, cocoa, citrus, banana, pimento and ginger, as well as fish, milk, meat, and other livestock products, according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica.

Achieving sustained economic growth will be very difficult if we continue to neglect domestic food export, while imports keep on outperforming local production by over 370 percent.

PATRICK MAITLAND Publisher - The Agriculturalist patrick@theagriculturalist.com

The government should consider an agriculture export policy with short- and

long-term initiatives to boost exports and curb Jamaica’s mounting current trade deficit.

Jamaica needs a great plan to boost agricultural exports, including a realistic target aim to double exports over a fiveyear period in the first case.

As part of the solutions to enhance agricultural exports, assistance should be provided for post-harvest infrastructure in clusters, capacity building, laboratories, new technology or machinery introduction, implementation of good farming practices and a grant towards public-private partnerships for integrated agriculture development.

The plan should be implemented in partnership with private exporters, who will have natural incentives to promote such clusters.

The government agricultural export

policy should expand the Agro Park concept by developing the agriculture export’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), primarily aimed at producing agricultural commodities for specific countries, which are mostly dependent on imports.

The Agriculture Ministry and Agri Investment Corporation should shortlist certain commodities to focus on farming infrastructure and market intervention.

Yams, bananas, vegetables, potato, peppers, pineapples, medicinal herbs in value-added forms, including herbal medicines, nutraceuticals, aromatics, spices, and organic food are in high demand overseas.

The government should also provide incentives to producers and exporters by removing all cess, fees or export duty. A long-standing agri-export policy is needed to help stabilize the Jamaican currency.

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.

OPINIONS

Too many chemicals in our crops !

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egetable production in the Caribbean is yet to achieve self-sufficiency, despite this region having a conducive environment for growing a variety of tropical and sub-tropical vegetable crops.

One common practice that is contributing to poor quality of vegetables in the region is the indiscriminate use of pesticides such as insecticides, fungicides and weedicides.

This results in high levels of chemical residues which also present a serious health risk to the consuming public. The problem is becoming grave in the eastern and southern Caribbean, which has been moving on a “pesticide treadmill,” relying on large quantities of pesticides for crop production.

It is often speculated that the high pesticide usage might be a contributing factor for increased occurrence of cancer and other malignant disorders among the Caribbean population. The effect of pesticide residual contamination on human health is much worse in vegetables than in other food crops, because obviously vegetables are consumed either raw or semi-cooked.

The region is beset with problems that affect crop protection, including the lack of awareness on integrated systems of disease management. There is also inadequate knowledge on pests and diseases that often lead to misdiagnosis and improper management practices.

It is common for farmers to use incorrect chemical pesticides or too high dosages.

Chemicals are often applied at greater frequencies than necessary and sometimes with incompatible mixtures are used. There is often monotonous use of pesticides with similar active ingredients which influence the development of resistance of pathogens to the chemical agents.

The research group at UWI, St. Augustine led by Professor Jayaraj Jayaraman and

Professor Jayaraj Jayaraman Dr. Adesh Ramsubhag is studying the disease trends of vegetables in Trinidad and Tobago and in the Southern Caribbean and conducting research on developing field-level integrated disease management systems for vegetable crops.

Extensive field surveys revealed the above mentioned pitfalls and problems. More than 50% of the farmers were using pesticides at weekly intervals and some even twice a week, while the standard recommendation is generally every two weeks, based on need only.

This excessive pesticide use results in a cyclical problem, with greater incidence levels of diseases and pests often occurring, despite application of chemical pesticides. This is due to development of resistance among the pests and pathogens. To cite a few examples, the UWI group has isolated several strains of bacterial and fungal pathogens that are resistant to commonly used copper fungicides and even to other commonly used systemic fungicides.

The excessive usage of insecticides including synthetic pyrithroids have resulted in

widespread resurgence of many sucking insect pests. One such striking example is increased prevalence of whiteflies and whitefly-borne virus diseases in vegetable crops which were neither reported in Trinidad nor in the Caribbean earlier.

For instance we have observed the increased prevalence of yellow leaf curl in tomato all over Caribbean in recent times.

This virus is spreading to other crops including cow pea (bodi) as white fly population proliferates. We observed new pathogens such as the zucchini mosaic virus that is severely affecting pumpkins and other cucurbits in Trinidad.

Considering these scenarios, there are imminent risks of development of new epidemics in the Caribbean region through emergence of new pathogens and pests in the very near future.

Any attempt to improve vegetable production would need to address the primary issues of management of crop pests and diseases, including reducing the indiscriminate use of pesticides by employing multiple approaches in a well-integrated and harmonious manner. This relates to the concepts of integrated pest management (IPM), integrated disease management (IDM) and integrated crop management (ICM) systems.

IDM/IPM approaches are balanced, environmental sensitive and sustainable approaches that rely on a combination of common sense practices applied on a timely fashion to control the incidence of diseases and pests to levels below the tolerable limits.

The approaches employed include cultural, biological, biotechnological and chemical approaches which are environmentally compatible, economically feasible and socially acceptable, and effect the least possible hazards to people, ecosystem and the environment.

Prof. Jayaraman’s team is working on a research project funded by the African, Caribbean, Pacific-European Union (ACPEU) to develop IDM systems for model vegetable crops including tomato, cowpea and pumpkin.

Under this Project, protocols were optimized for early diagnosis of pathogens and diseases employing contemporary molecular based tools. Several IDM packages were developed and tested in farmers’ fields that were proven to be successful in controlling diseases of the above vegetable crops.

By implementing such methods, it is expected that the amount of chemical usage can be cut down to at least 50% which effects a big saving on the cost of production and above all minimizes the risk of residual toxicity, environmental pollution and health hazards which are otherwise caused by over use of chemicals.

Publisher & Editor:

Patrick Maitland Consulting Editors:

Vincent Wright, Jairzenho Bailey Produced & Published by:

Agri Life Foundation Ltd 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

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NEWS Coffee farmers reject $60M donation from Michael Lee-Chin S Mavis, St. Andrew ome coffee farmers have rejected the $60 million donation from businessman Michael Lee-Chin and his family to the Ministry of Agriculture to help rescucitate the industry.

The farmers protested outside the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory on Monday morning, calling the donation disrespectful and urging the Ministry to return the money.

Lee-Chin is a shareholder in the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory and its sister company Wallenford.

Oswald O'Meally, Executive Member of the Jamaica Coffee Growers' Association, said the Wallenford Coffee Group has not made final payments of more than $120 million to the farmers for the 2017/18 crop season.

The $60 million donation by Mr. LeeChin was reportedly given to the Agriculture Ministry to be issued to the farmers in kind through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).

However, O'Meally argued that the farmers want the money owed to them and are not in favour of a handout.

Nigel Myrie chairs RADA

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gricultural engineer and manager of the All-Island Cane Farmers Association Nigel Myrie has been acting chairman of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority following the resignation of Michael Stern since August 2018.

Three agriculturalists get national honours T

hree agriculturalists and graduates of the former Jamaica School of Agriculture are among more than 200 Jamaicans to be conferred National Honors on National Heroes Day, Monday, Oct. 15, 2018 at King’s House, Kingston.

Commander of the Order of Distinction (OD) will be bestowed on Dr. Clifford Augustus Bradford for outstanding contribu-

tion to the field of Veterinary Medicine.

At the Officer of the Order of Distinction (OD) level, recently elected president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Lenworth George Fulton, will be recognized for his dedicated service to the agricultural sector and Mazie Merdel Williams-Miller for distinguished service to Jamaica Culinary Arts.

More sugar workers to get housing solutions KINGSTON (JIS): ore sugar workers and their families are to benefit from affordable housing solutions being developed by the National Housing Trust (NHT), in partnership with SCJ Holdings Limited (SCJH).

Ground was broken for the NHT’s newest housing development, Monymusk Glades in Jacksonville, Clarendon, on Wednesday (Sept. 12), which will see the development of 84 serviced lots.

Under this joint venture, SCJH will set aside 50 of the 84 lots for sugar workers who were previously living on the land, and who will now become legitimate land owners. The remaining lots are to be sold by the NHT on the open market.

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Welcoming the development, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Karl Samuda, said he is pleased that a significant portion of the serviced lots are dedicated to sugar workers.

“Under the Sugar Transformation Programme, we were able to improve the lot of those long suffering persons in the industry who lived in barracks,” he said.

The Government has been working to improve the living conditions of former sugar workers by removing them from houses built as temporary solutions (barracks), and providing them with new homes or lots on which to build their houses.

Stanberry on vacation leave, secondment

By Kimmy Blair The Agriculturalist Writer fter 12 and a half years as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Donovan Stanberry announced recently that he proceeded on vacation leave as of Sept. 3-30, 2018, and “thereafter on secondment to another institution.”

In an email to his colleagues, Stanberry said, “It was an incredible journey, and immensely satisfying. It was an absolute delight working with you all. I wish

you all the very best in your endeavours, and God’s richest blessings.”

Andrene Collings, chief technical director in the Ministry, has been promoted to act as permanent secretary.

In March 2016, Stanberry was appointed Permanent Secretary in the newly created Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, and Fisheries, following on from his previous appointment as permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries from March 2006 through to February 2016.

CASE Alumni Association AGM set for Sept. 29

Food imports jump to US$841M

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he Annual General Meeting of the Alumni Association of the College of Agriculture, Science and Education will be held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, 81 Knutsford Blvd., New Kingston on Sept.

29, 2018 at 2 PM. According to the Association’s president, Webster McPherson, the meeting will feature “a very insightful, informative and thought-provoking presentation on “the Imperatives of Investments and Financial Management” by Michelle Sinclair Doyley, Client Financial Education Manager, Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB).

McPherson urges members to attend and to become involved in the business of the association. “The College and the current student population need your assistance in improving the current on-campus infrastructural and student experience,”

Continued on page 1 A shocking 14,943,198 kilograms of fish and other marine foods, including snapper, croaker, grouper, dolphin fish (mahimahi, dorado) and Banga Mary, fresh or chilled, valued at US$57,408,760, were imported.

Skimmed milk powder, evaporated milk, whole milk, condensed milk, and other dairy products – totaling some 17 million kilograms and valued at more than US$50 million -- were imported to satisfy local demand.

A frightening 2,426,617 kilograms of goat and sheep meats were imported in the various forms of preparation at a cost some US$11.9 million.

Since 2010, Jamaica’s annual average agricultural/food export has stood at US$218 million, while food import has spiraled to US$914 million.

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NEWS

$60-MILLION GIFT FOR COFFEE FARMERS: Philanthropist Michael Lee-Chin (3rd l) shares a happy moment with (l-r) Senator Aubyn Hill; Member of Parliament for East Rural St. Andrew, Juliet Holness; Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Daryl Vaz and Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw at a press conference to announce a gift of $60 million to assist coffee farmers. The presentation took place at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices on September 10.

Chin donates $60M to assist coffee farmers

By Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries’ (MICAF) Communications Department hilanthropist Michael Lee-Chin has announced a gift of $60 million to Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee farmers to assist with alleviating the current crisis in the sector.

Lee-Chin made the announcement at a media briefing held at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries’ (MICAF) New Kingston offices on Sept. 10, 2018.

The donation, which is a personal gift from the Lee-Chin family, is in response to

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a special appeal from Member of Parliament, East Rural St. Andrew, Juliet Holness, and will constitute a temporary solution to the plight of the 7,000 coffee farmers who are now experiencing low prices and difficulties in selling their crops.

According to Mrs. Holness, the $60 million has already been wired to the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), which will handle the distribution to farmers.

For his part, speaking to the state of the industry, Mr. Lee-Chin said it was unbelievable that the industry is now in such a crisis, especially given the prestige brand association of Jamaican coffee.

He noted, however, the opportunity that the current situation presents to reset the strategy for the industry.

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, in welcoming the gift, bemoaned the decline in the industry over the last 25 years.

Minister Shaw said while the government’s intervention in the industry has to be viewed in the context of the current privatization, its responsibility for facilitation and promotion of the coffee industry continues.

“We cannot, therefore, intervene in the commercial affairs between farmers, processors and exporters,” Shaw said.

He added that the government also has a regulatory role to ensure the integrity of the product, which it will continue to do.

The Minister further announced that he has asked the Economic Growth Council, under the leadership of Senator Aubyn Hill, to review and recalibrate the industry to make it a growth industry for the welfare of the coffee farmers.

RADA is to coordinate the activities of the technical working group. This, along with other initiatives such as scouting for better prices, will form part of the strategy to recalibrate the coffee industry.

More sugar workers to get housing solutions KINGSTON (JIS): ore sugar workers and their families are to benefit from affordable housing solutions being developed by the National Housing Trust (NHT), in partnership with SCJ Holdings Limited (SCJH).

Ground was broken for the NHT’s newest housing development, Monymusk Glades in Jacksonville, Clarendon, on Wednesday (Sept. 12), which will see the development of 84 serviced lots.

Under this joint venture, SCJH will set

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aside 50 of the 84 lots for sugar workers who were previously living on the land, and who will now become legitimate land owners. The remaining lots are to be sold by the NHT on the open market.

Welcoming the development, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Karl Samuda, said he is pleased that a significant portion of the serviced lots are dedicated to sugar workers.

“Under the Sugar Transformation Pro-

gramme, we were able to improve the lot of those long suffering persons in the industry who lived in barracks,” he said.

The Government has been working to improve the living conditions of former sugar workers by removing them from houses built as temporary solutions (barracks), and providing them with new homes or lots on which to build their houses. Over time, the barracks, which eventually became the workers’ permanent homes, have fallen into disrepair and are no longer suitable for occupancy.

Samuda said home ownership is one of the most crucial necessities in the country, and stressed that the Government is committed to providing affordable housing solutions for Jamaicans, particularly for lower income and middle income persons.

He noted that last year, the housing stock was increased by 41 per cent, compared to the previous year. “We are on target to produce more houses in this term of office than has ever been produced in the history of Jamaica,” he added.

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World Food Day Celebration - Oct 16, 2018

Working for Zero Hunger sustainable agricultural methods to increase productivity and income. Ensuring the resilience of rural communities requires an approach that is mindful of the environment, that leverages the power of technological innovation and creates stable and rewarding employment opportunities.

• But employment and economic growth aren’t enough, especially for those who endure conflict and suffering.

• Zero Hunger moves beyond conflict-resolution and economic growth, taking the long-term approach to build peaceful, inclusive societies.

• While millions go hungry, 672 million people suffer from obesity, and a further 1.3 billion are overweight. We can change this.

Courtesy of Food and Agriculture Organization

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ero hunger means working together to ensure everyone, everywhere, has access to the safe, healthy and nutritious food they need. To achieve it, we must adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, work with others, share our knowledge and be willing to help change the world – for the better.

Our Actions are our Future After a period of decline, world hunger is on the rise again. Today, over 820 million people are suffering chronic undernourishment, according to the latest FAO 2018 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report.

Conflict, extreme weather events linked to climate change, economic slowdown and rapidly increasingoverweight and obesity levels are reversing progress made in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.

Now is the time to get back on track.

• The world can achieve Zero Hunger if we join forces across nations, continents, sec-

tors and professions, and act on evidence.

• 70 percent of the world's poor live in rural areas where people’s lives depend on agriculture, fisheries or forestry. That’s why Zero hunger calls for a transformation of rural economy.

• Governments must create opportunities for greater private sector investments in agriculture, while boosting social protection programmes for the vulnerable and linking food producers with urban areas.

• Smallholder farmers need to adopt new,

World Food Day is celebrated every year around the world on 16 October in honor of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. The day is celebrated widely by many other organisations concerned with food security, including the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

Global push to stamp out hunger hinges on better data Major new initiative aims to help low-income countries improve collection of agricultural data New York, NY: he lack of timely and high-quality agricultural data is handicapping efforts to implement the UN's sweeping Agenda for Sustainable Development, FAO DirectorGeneral Jose Graziano da Silva said last week.

This is why FAO is joining forces with a wide group of partners including the World Bank and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to weave existing agricultural data collection efforts together into a more cohesive global program, one that can help drive progress towards the second sustainable development goal, the complete eradication of extreme hunger.

Speaking at an event at the UN General Assembly in New York aiming to mobilize funding for the new effort, Graziano da Silva warned that shortcomings in the quality and availability of agricultural data "impede low and lower-middle income countries from elaborating development strategies, making sound policy decisions, or monitoring progress in the agriculture sector."

Each year around $240 billion is invested in agriculture in low and middle-income countries, but critical investment decisions are being taken in absence of a sound information base.

Agricultural data collection remains weak in many countries, even for basic

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Jose Graziano da Silva FAO Director-General data items. Indeed, a majority of the world's poorest 75 countries have not conducted any agricultural annual surveys or censuses in the past 15 years.

"We need to do much more to close the entire data gap regarding low and lower-middle income countries," the FAO Director-General said.

Major new push to improve agricultural data During the event - organized by the Governments of Ghana, Kenya and Sierra Leone, FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data and the Bill Second, to strengthen collaboration with multiple stakeholders; And third, to have the commitment of country authorities and the donor community."

Forming the backbone of the "50 x 2030" initiative are two existing and tested survey approaches, FAO's Agricultural Integrated Surveys (AGRISurvey) and the World Bank's Living Standards Measurement Study's Integrated Surveys on Agriculture (LSMS-ISA).

"50 x 2030" will bring these two tools together within a multi-institutional partnership that is aiming to make improved agricultural data available in 35 countries by 2025 and in 50 countries by 2030.

FAO's AGRIsurvey is farm-based system of surveys that collects data on the economical (production, area harvested, productivity, cost of production), environmental (use of land, water, fertilizers, pesticides) and social (income, labor) dimensions of agriculture.

"FAO's AGRISurvey allows countries to track progress on at least four SDG targets, such as labour productivity and in-

come of small scale holders (SDG 2.3), agricultural sustainability (SDG 2.4), women's ownership on agricultural land (SDG 5.a) and food losses (SDG 12.3)," Graziano da Silva noted.

FAO is already implementing AGRISurvey in 10 countries thanks to support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and is looking to expand that to 19 more countries by 2021.

• Did you know that there are 815 million people in the world that go to bed hungry, while 1.9 billion people are overweight?

• The world has set a challenge to achieve Zero Hunger and better nutrition by 2030. But governments can’t do it alone - everyone has a role to play.

• Come on the Zero Hunger journey to discover what each of us governments, farmers, businesses and the general public- have to do to reach this goal.

Learn how you can become part of the Zero Hunger Generation! www.fao.org

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RADA worried about fallout from Serge Island closure SEAFORTH, ST. THOMAS: ith Serge Island to close its factory in Seaforth, St. Thomas, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is worried about the economic fallout in the parish.

Serge Island's parent company, the Seprod Group, earlier this month said it expects to move the factory's operations to St. Catherine by March next year as part of a move to improve productivity and reduce input costs.

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However, Peter Thompson, RADA's Chief Executive Officer, is concerned about the implications, especially the possibility of increased unemployment in the parish.

"We are concerned that many persons will be out of a job due to the economic status of the parish, which you know has been in a rut for a while because of the closure of Eastern Banana Estate, Fred M. Jones Estate and of course, the Goodyear factory," he noted.

Thompson, who was addressing farmers, RADA representatives and other stakeholders in St. Thomas on Tuesday, said RADA will be seeking to prevent a fallout in economic activities in St. Thomas.

He said the agency will be speaking with Agriculture Minister Audley Shaw to engage the owners of the lands from which many of the businesses have withdrawn.

"We want to know where those lands are so we can put farmers on them and see how we can set up value-added facilities," he declared.

Caribbean International Bamboo Symposium sets for November 27

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he Bamboo industry, you can learn more at the Caribbean International Bamboo Symposium which will be held at the Jamaica Conference Centre, 14 - 20 Port Royal Street, Kingston on November 27 - 28, 2018.

The Bamboo Industry Association of Jamaica (BIAJ), and the Bureau of Standards (BSJ) have developed three (3) value chains from bamboo so far - Charcoal, Edible shoots and Plywood. Information is available and training is being facilitated by having the Symposium for ALL to be-

come Entrepreneurs in a myriad of possibilities.

The specific objective is to provide a forum for expanded dialogue and highlighting best practices on green economic growth and increased regional and international trade and investment in Bamboo; and to agree on and develop a roadmap for a new regional program – Bamboo for the Caribbean – that enables CARICOM Member States to fully realize the potential of their bamboo resources.

Registration is free at www.caribbeanbamboo.com

Peter Thompson, RADA's Chief Executive Officer

JOAM AGM set for October 25 T

he Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 25, 2018, starting at 10:00 a.m. The venue is to be finalized, but please save the date, as we want your active participation as we seek volunteers to serve on the various Committees such as Projects, Membership and the Management Committees. Members won't be able to vote if membership dues have not been paid for 2018. The current dues are $1,500.00 for an individual member or $2,500.00 for group or farm members. Dues can be deposited directly in JOAM's NCB Current Account No. 371013431 - Liguanea Branch (email a copy of your deposit slip to joam@joamltd.org). Dues also payable the morning of the AGM before it starts. For further information contact: joam@joamltd.org; 876-564-3770 www.joamltd.org.

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Young Farmer of the Year Has No Regrets

By Alecia Smith, JIS hen Nicholas Anderson decided to venture into farming seven years ago, this was not his first career choice, but he has no regrets after taking this step into somewhat unfamiliar territory.

Through farming, which is his only source of income, Mr. Anderson has been able to sustain himself and his family as well as create employment for 18 members of his and surrounding communities.

Even though he grew up in rural Jamaica with his grandparents who reared goats, the concept of farming was still foreign to him, and it, therefore, took sheer persistence in the field until he found his footing.

“It worked itself out… it chose me,” Mr. Andersen tells JIS News.

When his first attempt at farming – rearing pigs – failed, Mr. Anderson says he was not deterred. He instead turned his next effort – a small plot of ginger – into a now thriving business.

It was this same tenacity that earned the 31-year-old, who hails from Reckfort in Clarendon, the coveted title of Young Farmer of the Year, during the recent staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show. He was also crowned Champion Ginger Farmer.

“It’s a very good feeling to know that the (recognition has been given to someone from the area I am from, which is a farming area. You never have anyone in my area who has risen to the level where I am at, at my age.

So, it’s a great feeling for me. It’s a great accomplishment,” he says.

Although he now cultivates other crops, including Scotch bonnet pepper, cabbage, yam and dasheen, Mr. Anderson notes that “the real start was with ginger,” when in 2011 he heard about the Agriculture Ministry’s Export Division ginger supply programme.

This involved farmers growing and selling their ginger crops to the Export Division to supply the Japanese market.

“I started out with 250lb (of ginger) and after reaping that 250lb, I got 1,800lb and I plant the 1,800lb again and sell and make an increase again, and I (then) planted an acre,” he shares.

He continued on this trend of reinvesting in the business until he now harvests thousands of pounds of ginger during reaping season. Just two weeks ago, Mr. Anderson reaped more than 150,000lb of ginger.

The ambitious young man, who works along with his uncle,

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Nicholas Anderson (first row, left) proudly displays some of the 150,000lb of ginger he and his workers reaped two weeks ago at his farm in Clarendon. Mr. Anderson, who employs 18 persons from his and surrounding communities, was named the Young Farmer of the Year during the recent staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show. He was also crowned Champion Ginger Farmer.

now operates his farm on 16 acres of land, a parcel of which is leased and some owned by his grandfather. He is currently seeking another 20 acres of land to expand his cultivation of Scotch bonnet peppers.

The Stacyville All-Age and Kellits High alumnus, notes that while farming has “its ups and downs”, with challenges, including praedial larceny and inclement weather, if given the option, he would again choose this source of income.

Anderson shares that since this year, praedial larcenists stole from one ginger field five times, taking 40lb of ginger the first time they struck. In total, they made away with 300lb, resulting in losses amounting to $90,000.

The undaunted farmer says he is wary of the thieves, whom he says targets his ginger crop as it is the most valuable, noting that he just has to stay a step ahead of the thieves “and dig it fast”.

He notes that while last year was a good season in terms of the weather, it has been “very rough” this year due to the prevailing drought, which has had an impact on his yields.

“That’s one of the things that really fight me the most, but, you know, I hold on. Some of the years I don’t make any money…we just get back what we plant,” he shares.

Anderson says that he is grateful for the assistance he has

received throughout the years, which has helped him to improve on his farming techniques, and, in turn, boost his yields. Of note, he says, is the technical support he receives from the Government through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).

He says that while he was not able to benefit from all the training opportunities the agency offers, due to his busy schedule, he is appreciative of the knowledge he has garnered from the sessions he attends. He notes, as well, that he works closely with the RADA extension officer that has been assigned to him.

Anderson has also been the beneficiary of fertiliser from the Government, through RADA. He was given a 50-lb bag of the product following Denbigh this year.

He also received some fertiliser in the previous two years after the staging of the show.

The young farmer, who currently sells his produce to a processor in St. Ann, as well as higglers and hotel and supermarket suppliers, says he also harbours hopes of expanding his business and leaving a legacy for his six-year-old son.

He adds that he would love to get directly into the supermarket and hotel markets “which carry a much better price…; it would make a whole lot of difference”.

Anderson says he is happy he remained persistent and con-

tinued to cultivate the land as it has not only empowered him to help others but he has even surprised himself and proven that with true grit comes great rewards.

“Where I am at in farming now, to be frank with you, I didn’t expect it… . I am well grateful and well pleased,” he says.

Contingency plans in place, Shaw tells cane farmers worried about Monymusk closure

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griculture Minister Audley Shaw has promised cane farmers in Clarendon and St. Catherine that their 2019 crop will not be allowed to go to waste.

His assurance comes at a worrying time for the farmers, particularly because of the uncertainty surrounding the Monymusk Sugar Factory in Clarendon.

Monymusk operator, PanCaribbean, has indicated that it does not intend to run the plant next year because of persistent problems with production.

However, Mr. Shaw explained that, should the plant not reopen for the 2019 crop season, the crop of the Clarendon and St. Catherine farmers will be transported to the Worthy Park and Appleton estates.

He was speaking on Tuesday at a meeting of the All-Island Jamaica Cane Farmers Association.

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SEPT - OCT 2018 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 13

WORLD NEWS

World hunger again on the rise! driven by conflict and climate change, new UN report says FAO News: fter steadily declining for over a decade, global hunger is on the rise again, affecting 815 million people in 2016, or 11 per cent of the global population, says a new edition of the annual United Nations report on world food security and nutrition released today. At the same time, multiple forms of malnutrition are threatening the health of millions worldwide.

The increase – 38 million more people than the previous year – is largely due to the proliferation of violent conflicts and climate-related shocks, according to The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2017.

Some 155 million children aged under five are stunted (too short for their age), the report says, while 52 million suffer from wasting, meaning their weight is too low for their height. An estimated 41 million children are now overweight. Anaemia among women and adult obesity are also cause for concern. These trends are a consequence not only of conflict and climate change but also of sweeping changes in dietary habits as well as economic slowdowns.

The report is the first UN global assessment on food security and nutrition to be released following the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030 as a top international policy priority.

But even in regions that are more peaceful droughts or floods linked in part to the El Niño weather phenomenon, as well as the global economic slowdown, have also seen food security and nutrition deteriorate, they added.

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Hunger and food security Overall number of hungry people in the world: 815 million, including: • In Asia: 520 million • In Africa: 243 million • In Latin America/Caribbean: 42 million • Share of the global population who are hungry: 11% • Asia: 11.7% • Africa: 20% (in eastern Africa, 33.9%) •Latin America and the Caribbean: 6.6%

Malnutrition in all its forms It singles out conflict – increasingly compounded by climate change – as one of the key drivers behind the resurgence of hunger and many forms of malnutrition.

"Over the past decade, conflicts have risen dramatically in number and become more complex and intractable in nature," the heads of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) said in their joint foreword to the report. They stressed that some of the highest proportions of

food-insecure and malnourished children in the world are now concentrated in conflict zones.

"This has set off alarm bells we cannot afford to ignore: we will not end hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030 unless we address all the factors that undermine food security and nutrition. Securing peaceful and inclusive societies is a necessary condition to that end," they said.

Famine struck in parts of South Sudan for several months in early 2017, and there is a high risk that it could reoccur there as well as appear in other conflict-affected places, namely northeast Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen, they noted.

• Number of children under 5 years of age who suffer from stunted growth (height too low for their age): 155 million • Number of those living in countries affected by varying levels of conflict: 122 million • Children under 5 affected by wasting (weight too low given their height): 52 million • Number of adults who are obese: 641 million (13% of all adults on the planet) • Children under 5 who are overweight: 41 million • Number of women of reproductive age affected by anaemia: 613 million (around 33% of the total)

Argentina bets on $600 million satellite to boost agriculture sector

By Scott Squires/BUENOS AIRES: rgentina is launching a new microwave imaging satellite to monitor natural disasters and soil moisture, in a long-term bid to bolster the farm sector, an industry that has historically been the backbone of the country’s economy.

Scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Oct. 6, Argentina’s SAOCOM 1a satellite “is going to boost the high quality precision agriculture Argentina relies on,” President Mauricio Macri told farmers and industry representatives last week.

Scientists say the soil and subsurface mapping data provided by the $600 million dollar project should help increase crop yields.

The radar antennae technology will allow Argentina to access a real time ‘water map,” almost unique in the world, which will allow for prediction of harvest yields, floods, and droughts, the government said.

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Scaled-down replica of the SAOCOM 1-A/B satellite on display at Argentina's space agency CONAE in Buenos Aires, Argentina September 20, 2018.

Argentina’s already-struggling economy has suffered a series of setbacks since Macri took power, led by a drought that sapped grain exports earlier this year and a sharp devaluation of its peso currency that prompted the government to seek a $50 billion standby financing deal with the International Monetary Fund.

The government announced earlier this month it would institute fiscal belttightening measures, including a tax on the country’s primary exports like corn, wheat, and soy.

“This mission will be incredibly valuable to the country’s farmers. We are hoping that the information will provide a $5

to $7 return on every dollar invested,” said Raul Kulichevsky, Executive and Technical Director for Argentina’s National Space Activities Commission (CONAE).

While Argentina’s previous satellites have relied on optical surveying, scientists say the SAOCOM mission will provide precision X-ray and microwave imaging across Argentina’s grain-producing plains, regardless of weather or time of day.

“This technology is novel, and has never before been used in Argentina. It is the product of 10 years of research,” Head Researcher on the SAOCOM mission, Laura Frulla, said in an interview.

But the project will not provide much help to Argentina’s cash-strapped economy in the short-term, according to analysts.

“Farmers depend on these satellites to ensure good crop yields, but given that this won’t become operative until June 2019, there is little it can do to help Argentina’s current economic situation,” said German Heinzenknecht, weather specialist at the Applied Climate Consultancy.

14 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • SEPT - OCT 2018

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SEPT - OCT 2018 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 15

Jamaica exports first medical marijuana extracted oil to Canada A

udley Shaw, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, has said Jamaica has exported its first legal medical marijuana extracted oil to Canada.

The shipment to Canada was authorised through an import permit issued by

the Government of Canada through Health Canada for Jamaica and an export permit issued by the Ministry of Health in Jamaica.

Mr. Shaw said the shipment marks the first step in positioning Jamaica as the

medical marijuana hub for the world.

Lincoln Allen, CEO of the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) said he has also identified international export opportunities as a major target for the CLA. The CEO argued that the CLA is ful-

filling its mandate as well as a commitment to enabling the timely development of a regulatory framework to position Jamaica as a global leader for the export of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes.

JAS under more scrutiny to ensure accountability T

he Ministry of Agriculture has said the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) will be coming under increased scrutiny to ensure accountability and transparency in its operations.

J.C. Hutchinson, Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Agriculture, said there are several concerns about the operations of the JAS, pointing to the fact that the Ministry has not been made aware

whether money was made from the staging of the Denbigh Agricultural Show, for which the JAS is responsible.

Hutchinson declared that the JAS will no longer operate the way it does, adding

that he will be closely monitoring its operations.

The JAS is an umbrella organisation consisting of commodity boards and associations.

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16 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • SEPT - OCT 2018

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Denbigh Show Photos

M c c

FARM QUEEN WINNERS:

DENBIGH WINNERS:

(l-r) Kimberely Salmon, 2nd runner-up (St. Catherine); Samantha Thomas-Myrie, National Farm Queen (Hanover) and Glecean Cox, 1st runner-up (St. Mary)

(l-r) Martin Zsifkobics, National Champion Farmer; Diandra Rowe, Woman Champion Farmer and Nicholas Anderson, Young Champion Farmer.

St. Catherine is the Champion Parish: St Catherine JAS Parish Manager Cardia Duhaney (2nd l) poses with (l-r) RADA St. Catherine extension officers Omar Anderson, Errod Stephenson (Deputy Parish Manager) and Sando Lecky. Also in photo (5th l) is Hi-Pro store manager Devon Facey as the parish retook the “Champion Parish Trophy” at the recent Denbigh Show held in May Pen. Chairman of the Coconut Board and agriculturalist Chris Gentles (3rd l) and Fersan team- Nicheal Dadzie, Stacy-Ann Graham, Melissa Brown and Kirk Broadie at recent Denbigh Show.

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Richard Pandohie, CEO of Seprod and Althea McKenzie Power 106 FM at Fersan booth at Denbigh show.

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SEPT - OCT 2018 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 17

Denbigh Show Photos

Kayon Gayle, the grand prize winner of the Hyundai Creta in the 2018 Hi-Pro Rewards Promotion (5th l) celebrates with her family members and staff of Hi-Pro Division of Jamaica Broilers Group Limited including Conley Salmon, President-Jamaica Operations, Tricia Jackson, Operations Manager, Hi-Pro Farm Supplies,during the staging of Denbigh Show 2018 on August 6, May Pen Clarendon.

Chicken Farmer Wins 2018 Hyundai Creta Suv in Hi-Pro Rewards Program Kayon Gayle, the grand prize winner of the Hyundai Creta SUV in the 2018 Hi-Pro Rewards Promotion, almost didn’t make it to the drawing in the Hi-Pro Village at Denbigh on Independence Day. The taxi man she hired to take her from her home in Silent Hill to Spaulding to meet the Hi-Pro technical sales agronomist, Sheldon Hassart, did not show up and she had to convince another driver to come off his route so she could make the connection for her ride to Denbigh.

“I knew something good was going to happen to me. About one week ago, I dreamt of seeing a lot of ripe guavas and my mother always told me that ripe fruits in a dream meant money and prosperity,” said Kayon Gayle, 28 who has been a chicken farmer for 10 years, having grown up helping her father on his farm.

According to Kayon, her sister Sasha-Gay Gayle, popularly known as Racquel, who accompanied her to the grand drawing of the vehicle started to cry with joy after the third and second place winners were announced.

“Sasha-Gay was sure at that point that I had won the SUV.” she said.

“So, before Sheldon held onto my hand and cleared the way through the crowd to take me to where the car was on display, I started to cry. I was so overwhelmed to know that I was the winner. I don’t have my driver’s licence, but plan to get it soon.

This vehicle will help me a lot as over the years it has been a challenge to move feed and chickens by public transport and taxis,” said Kayon.

It was quite a homecoming for Kayon in Silent Hill on the night she won, as on reaching the

JC Hutchinson, Minister without Portfolio at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, and Fisheries (c) and Conley Salmon, President- Jamaica Operations, Jamaica Broilers Group (right) present Martin Hopwood of Bengal Farms with the award for Champion Junior Beef Heifer at the 2018 Denbigh Livestock Competition.

Kayon Gayle, the grand prize winner of the Hyundai Creta SUV in the 2018 Hi-Pro Rewards Promotion celebrates as she shows the key for her new vehicle at Hi-Pro Village during the staging of Denbigh Show 2018 on August 6, May Pen Clarendon.

district her brothers and relatives had gathered at Sasha-Gay’s shop ready to celebrate. “I didn’t go to bed until almost 1 a.m.,” she said.

Instead of continuing in the field of cosmetology, Kayon decided to rear chickens at 18. She bought her first 12 chicks and feed from KDL Agricultural Supplies in Christiana, which has re-

mained her supplier of Hi-Pro products over the decade. Today her farm has 200 birds at any one time.

Her ambition is to have one the largest chicken farms on the island and she knows she can achieve whatever she puts her mind to, bolstered by the fact that she has just won a $4.2 million vehicle.

Dr. and Mrs. Calvert Louden (c) of DevCal Farms in Clarendon, and their livestock handlers after winning an impressive seven trophies for their Beef Cattle in the Denbigh 2018 Livestock Competition.

18 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • SEPT - OCT 2018

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JAMAICA DAIRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD NEWS

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw, empties silage into machine for bagging at the handover of a silo-packer by the Ja REEACH 11 Project to the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB), at Bodles Research Station in St. Catherine on September 12. The silage packing machine will be used across Jamaica to provide dairy farmers with access to silage to ensure feed material will always be available.

Dairy farmers to benefit from silage packing machine

M

inister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon Audley Shaw, empties silage into machine for bagging at the handover of a silo-packer by the Ja REEACH 11 Project to the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB), at Bodles Research Station in St. Catherine on September 12.

The silage packing machine will be used across Jamaica to provide dairy farmers with access to silage to ensure feed ma-

terial will always be available.

The Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) has secured a silage packing machine and accompanying new technology that will improve access to nutritious feed material for dairy cattle nationwide. This was made possible through funding from the USAID through its Ja REEACH II project.

The silo-packer machine, the first of its kind in Jamaica, will allow the JDDB to

support small dairy farmers islandwide to store fodder as silage in order to continue to provide nutrition to their animals during periods when feed material is scarce or unavailable.

Minister Shaw said that for too long there has been a steady decline in the dairy and beef industry and stated that serious decisions needed to be taken on how to aggressively rebuild the industry.

New initiatives being undertaken, Minister Shaw assured, include the importation of embryos to accelerate further production, and of live calves as well as the preservation of local strains of cattle.

Additionally, the agriculture minister said, “I want to see Bodles (Research Station) becoming a major instrument in converting research into on-the-ground action to improve production and productivity.”

Silage packaged by the silo packer machine Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw (3rd left), sprays the first bag of silage packaged by the silo packer machine at the handover of the machine by the Ja REEACH 11 Project to the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB), held at Bodles Research Station in St. Catherine on September 12. Others from left are Karyll Aitcheson, Chief of Party, Ja REEACH 11 Project; Dr Lisa Myers-Morgan, Principal Research Director, Research and Development Division, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries; Oliver Elliot, Project Monitoring Officer at Bodles; and JDDB’s Dean Avril, Chief Executive Officer.

For further information contact:

JAMAICA DAIRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD Hope Gardens, Kingston 6 Tel: (876) 618-7107 • Fax (876) 977-9230 • Email: dairyboard@micaf.gov.jm

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SEPT - OCT 2018 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 19

100% Jamaican!

With a commitment to exceptional quality and superior taste, Jamaican poultry farmers produce healthy, home-grown, safe, chicken meat and table eggs for our nation.

Jamaican farmers produce over 2.5 Million kilos of chicken meat and over 5 Million table eggs WEEKLY, making our poultry industry 100% self-sufficient.

The Jamaican poultry industry provides employment for over 100,000 small farmers, most of whom are women that support their families and feed their communities through this sector.

Support your local poultry farmer! Eat Jamaican grown chicken meat and table eggs!

20 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • SEPT - OCT 2018

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EDUCATION Knockalva Agricultural School Now a Polytechnic College

By SERENA GRANT, JIS he Knockalva Agricultural School is now a polytechnic college, providing greater access to tertiary education for persons in western Jamaica.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator Ruel Reid, noted that the rebranded institution, located in Hanover, will bring tertiary studies to the doorsteps of residents of the parish in addition to St. James and Westmoreland.

“We cannot have all our colleges and universities in Kingston and St. Andrew.

We don’t have enough space, and more so, education and training systems are changing so rapidly that even in your living room you can access certain programmes. So we have to bring education and training as close to our people as possible,” said Minister Reid.

He was speaking at a ceremony to officially launch the 2018/2019 school year and mark the new Knockalva Polytechnic College, on Thursday (September 6) on the grounds of the institution in Ramble.

The ceremony included the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between Knockalva and several institutions for the provision of tertiary qualifications.

These are Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, The Mico University College and G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport.

T

Ruel Reid (third left), interacts with female students of the Knockalva Agricultural School during a recent visit to the institution.

The Education Minister, who informed JIS News of Government’s intention to upgrade Knockalva earlier this year, said at the time, that the institution “fits very neatly in our K (kindergarten) to 18 strategy”.

“It is now viewed as a post-secondary (institution) and it needs to be reclassified and upgraded to become a full polytechnic, as we have done with the Trench Town Polytechnic.

Cedric Hanson (right) of Northern Caribbean University explains his clay pot irrigation technology to Audley Shaw (3rd left), Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Knox Community College students (from left) Brittany Campbell and Shanice Wander at the Youth Employment Creation in Agriculture and Agro-Processing Public Forum, held at the Cobbla Campus of Knox Community College in Manchester on September 7. The forum explored economic opportunities available in agriculture for young people.

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That will attract tertiary-level programmes, so that the students can achieve better certification and be better aligned to industry,” he further pointed out.

Public Relations and International Programs Director of College of Agriculture, Science and Education, Monique Oates (l) shares light moment with Minister of Agriculture, Audley Shaw (c) and Opposition Spokesperson on Agriculture Fenton Ferguson

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SEPT - OCT 2018 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 21

EDUCATION Hi-Pro facilitates second chance opportunities through agriculture Submitted by Denise Johnson hirty-nine youth, including 19 boys and 10 girls, recently participated in the Nature and Agriculture Camp 2018 hosted by the Village Academy School of Agriculture at Watsonville, near Moneague, St. Ann, with support from the HiPro Division of the Jamaica Broilers Group.

The Academy was set up in September 2015 to offer a viable alternative for young people who have completed high school with a desire to pursue a career in agriculture; the school also gives special consideration to young people who have left Grade 9 and are currently unattached, or deemed to be ‘at risk’.

The institution currently offers a HEART Level II program in Agriculture as well as specializations in the Career Advancement Program (CAP) in Agriculture.

Located on two separate campuses, the aim of the school is to prepare students between the ages of 16 and 20 to pursue a career in agriculture and, by extension, become entrepreneurs, or work for agencies that are agriculture-based.

“The camp is a result of a partnership with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, The Sandals Foundation, and HiPro. This collaboration brought together like-minded partners who made affordable access to the camp possible for these 39 participants. The outcome is that young persons from the camp have registered as full-time students of the school, as a result of their exposure to the camp, and the information shared regarding Agriculture as a career choice,” explained Mr. Sydney Henry, Executive Director at the Village Academy.

Over a 10-day period, the campers were exposed to general knowledge about animal husbandry, crop care and management.

They also received hands-on experience in various areas, including brooding of chickens, artificial insemination and embryo transfer, organic farming, entrepreneurship and innovations in agriculture, such as drone operations in farming.

T

Camper Steven Willy receives a Certificate for outstanding humility from Teacher and Camp Counselor Laneal Lee

Village Academy Executive Director, Syndey Henry (left), sharing a light-hearted moment with Principal Khadijah Williams and Hi-Pro Technical Representative Garfield Russell.

They got practical lessons in the use of contemporary farm equipment, methods to vaccinate and deworm goats and sheep and how to create compost heaps.

Areas of personal development were also addressed, such as preparation for the work place, physical training and self-defence, in addition to developing entrepreneurial ideas for agro-processing - such as soap making, production of condiments - and practical ways to earn an income while pursuing education.

Presentations were made by senior educators and experts within the local agriculture sector, and campers had the opportunity to interact with champion farmers and managers from agricultural entities.

In addition to the technical training, Dr. Khadijah Williams, Principal at Village Academy, was committed to the camp’s social objectives. “We were able to successfully help students see the social linkages to agriculture, while helping them understand that through agriculture, their entire life can be transformed. It begins with the duty of care they exercise over livestock, the responsibility that comes with raising baby chicks at that most delicate stage; also how they manage their time and efforts for profitability and achievement of life goals. The psycho-social aspects of the camp were excellent in that regard.”

“When we heard about this camp, we had to extend our support,” said Denise Johnson-Anderson, Marketing Officer at Hi-Pro. “We were pleased to share our knowledge of best practices in broiler management and crop care, and it was wonderful to see how practical application and active engagement in farming helped to improve the self-esteem of these children and their outlook on the future.”

Hi-Pro also donated Hi-Pro livestock management guides, 300 baby chicks and 50 bags of broiler ration to the programme, as well as T-shirts for all the campers and camp administrators. At the end of the camp, the feed and birds were distributed to campers as a ‘starter’ flock for their own enterprise.

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22 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • SEPT - OCT 2018

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SEPT - OCT 2018 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 23

RADA NEWS

RADA at JAPEX 2018: Technical staff of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s (RADA) talk with patrons at the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) trade show held on September 23-25, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Rose Hall St James. RADA participated in its capacity as Jamaica’s chief agricultural extension service provider through discussions on increased markets and contractual arrangements with tourism stakeholders. Under the theme “AGRI-INDUSTRIAL PLATFORM for the FUTURE” RADA featured its new online marketing platform, Agrilinkage Exchange that is sponsored through the Tourism Enhancement Fund Drone Technology in Agriculture, and the value –added products of the RADA’s Agri-Mart. RADA also extended its hospitalities to five farmers in an effort to facilitate business linkage opportunities and pre-scheduled appointments with the wholesalers, and hoteliers at the event. For additional information on programmes offered through RADA and Agrilinkage Exchange visit agrilinkages.com or call us at 876-970-1451.

Hurricane Recovery Tips Livestock: After a hurricane or flood, the farm should be returned to production as soon as possible.

• Remove zinc sheets, lumber, nails, etc. that can cause damage to animals • Clean-up debris of damaged plants • Salvage valuable trees or plants • Dispose of dead animals immediately, by composting, burial or burning.

• Clean and repair cages, pens, houses as soon as possible and return animals.

• Disease in animals may be increased after a flood.

• Check for signs of pneumonia • Check animals for distress/illness and consult a veterinarian where necessary • Keep vaccinations up-to-date • Provide clean and uncontaminated water and feed • Clear pasture land • Where necessary, spray for mosquitoes and other insect pests Sugarcane: • Inspect chemical stores, clean-up any chemical spillage to avoid poisoning and restrict contamination of water sources.

• Effect repairs to store houses and other structures if necessary.

• Unclog drains, sink holes and canals to free up the passage of water.

• Repair drain and canal infrastructure, electrical power lines and (using a competent electrician), pumping stations if necessary.

• As soon as practicable, address weed control (farms tend to get overrun by weeds following a hurricane).

• Do not re-fertilize fields, hurricanes are likely to occur during the second half of the year when added fertilizer will tend to result in poor juice quality and low cane price.

• Recently planted nurseries of fall plants not scheduled for harvesting in the next crop may be given a supplementary fertilizer dressing to replace nutrients washed away during the storm.

Agricultural Extension Officer for the Darliston Extension Area, Caswell Hall (l)) with a farmer conducting pest surveillance in Dasheen and corn field.

24 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • SEPT - OCT 2018

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AGRO-INVESTMENT CORPORATION UPDATES

Agro-Parks gearing up to reduce Onion imports J

amaica imports close to 8 million kgs of onions annually. Local production, despite concerted efforts over the past five years by many agencies and producer groups, has been unable to fill the demand of Jamaican consumers, with 90% of total consumption of the commodity being satisfied by imports.

The Agro-Investment Corporation in April 2018 expanded its research and discovery infrastructure to demonstrate to investors how onions can be grown successfully locally through the establishment of six acres of onions in the AgroParks managed by the Corporation.

Agro-Invest currently manages four AgroParks across three parishes.

According to Director of Agro-Park Development at the Corporation Owen Scarlett, the initiative was birthed out of the need to demonstrate to investors that not only can onions be grown successfully in Jamaica but are ideal for the nation’s Agro-Parks which are already outfitted with necessary infrastructure. “Growing onions in the parks just makes sense,” says Scarlett “irrigation and drainage infrastructure are already in place and the inhouse technical and business support staff are here to move the process from field to consumer.”

The thrust is a part of a broader national programme which started with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Production and Productivity Programme which targets specific crops for production that have a comparative advantage to use as alternatives or as a direct substitute to imported products.

Scarlett states that Agro-Invest is playing its part by doing more than communicating the need to plant onions, but

ONION DISCOVERY INFRASTRUCTURE: Anthony Trout Agro-Park Manager Ebony (5th r) and Owen Scarlett, Director of Agro-Park Development (4th l), explain to representatives from MICAF and MEGJC the benefits of the Onion Discovery Infrastructure in the Agro-Parks at a section of the recently established demonstration plot, Ebony Agro-Park in Clarendon.

demonstrating so investors can see firsthand the best practices in cultivation to improve productivity and returns. “It’s not enough to say to farmers plant onions; we are showing you how it’s done,” says Scarlett “a number of investors have come onboard since seeing the results from our onion plots, the plan now is to scale up and move to increase yields.” The Corporation is targeting 600 acres over a three year pe-

Asset Management

I

n our bid to stimulate agro-investment in Jamaica, Agro-Invest extend our service to the management of privately-owned lands, to engender increased agriculture production and farm profitability.

To this end we provide property management and commercial leasing.

If you are unsure of the best usage of any unused land space the Agro-Invest will guide you through the process of identifying the most suitable agricultural enterprise to invest in and aid in the development of this business.

In addition to land the Agro-Invest provides other facilities geared at aiding the sector, below is a list of assets which is available for rental.

• Office, Warehouse and Factory Rental • Warehouses • Processing/Post Harvest Facilities • Living Accommodations • Refrigerated Storage • Office Space • AIC Lease Application

Investment Opportunities • Small Ruminants Investments • Investment Promotion • Aquaculture • Land Availability • AMC Complex

riod to fully substitute imports and moving up to 2,000 acres after that to move into the CARICOM export market and for processing of onion powder and flakes.

Due to the success of the programme thus far, Agro-Invest plans to expand their discovery infrastructure from 6 to 20 acres across three Agro-Parks for the fall planting season which begins in October.

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SEPT - OCT 2018 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 25

TRADE AND INVESTMENT

JAMPRO set the stage for attracting foreign investment NEW YORK, NY: amaica is open for business and its business climate remains ripe for investment were the central messages of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Audley Shaw during a recent luncheon themed “Doing Business with Jamaica” at the Empire Steakhouse in Midtown Manhattan. Minister Shaw was in New York City to reopen the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) office as the organization implements its marketing strategy to target the Tri-State area for investments and exports.

During the luncheon, Minister Shaw emphasized to potential investors, entrepreneurs and members of the Diaspora in attendance Jamaica’s market stability pointing out: • the economy grew 1.8% over the past year and growth is accelerating with projections for 2% growth next year, and up to 5% in the next 5 years • inflation is in single digits, 2.8% last year • unemployment is the lowest it has been in 8 years at 9.6% Jamaica is #5 in the world for starting a business according to the Global Banking and Finance Review.

The Minister also discussed numerous opportunities for investment in agribusiness, business process outsourcing (BPO), logistics, mining, tourism, manufacturing and film.

J

TRADE AND INVESTMENT: Jamaican Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Audley Shaw cuts the ribbon signaling the reopening of the JAMPRO NY office at the Consulate General of Jamaica. Looking on is Trudy Deans, Consul General of Jamaica Diane Edwards, President of JAMPRO and Claude Duncan, JAMPRO's Vice President for Sales and Promotion.

26 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • SEPT - OCT 2018

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PESTICIDES AWARENESS FEATURE

Positive and negative effects of chemical pesticides

By Heba Soffar Bad effects of chemical pesticides The chemical pesticides cause the chemical pollution for the soil, the water and the air, they cause serious health risks such as the cancer, the nervous system diseases and the reproductive problems in people who exposed to the pesticides through home and garden exposure.

They can damage the agricultural land by harming the beneficial insect species, the soil microorganisms, and the worms which naturally limit the pest populations and maintain the soil health.

The pesticides are the toxic substances which released into our environment to kill the living things, They kill the weeds, the insects, the fungus, the rodents and others.

The use of chemicals helped increase the productivity but they affect on the human health and safety, they can cause many types of cancer in the humans, the leukemia, the brain, the bone, the breast, the ovarian, the prostate, the testicular and the liver cancers.

The children who live at homes where their parents use the pesticides are twice as likely to develop the brain cancer versus

those that live in residences in which no pesticides are used.

You know that the children can not fight the toxic pesticides into their systems as they have not developed their immune systems , the nervous systems, and detoxifying mechanisms completely.

Short exposures to some pesticides may kill or sicken the wildlife? They are toxic to the living organisms. They cause the air pollution when they are suspended in the air as the particles are carried by the wind to other areas. They reduce the concentrations of plant nutrients in the soil such as nitrogen and phosphorous. They weaken the plant root systems and the immune systems.

Many bees and butterflies are lost , they are the pollinators which do cross-pollination naturally, and they play an important role in the plant cycles and evolution, and the plants that are fertilized using pesticides grow faster.

They are used in farming to control the pests. While all pesticides can harm the humans, the insecticides and the herbicides cause most human poisoning , The chemical pesticides affect the humans by the ingestion, the inhalation and the dermal absorption.

Benefits of chemical pesticides The crop protection technologies affect on the cost of food. Where without them, the food production would decline. Many fruits and vegetables would be in short supply and the prices would rise.

They are used to control the termites , the roaches, the ants, the rats and other pests , they allow the consumers to have highquality crops that is free of insect blemishes and insect contamination.

They are used to protect the gardens, the public parks, playing fields, the lakes and the ponds for public enjoyment. Aflatoxins attack the agricultural crops , and the insect control is necessary to prevent its passage from the insect to the plant. Aflatoxin is a carcinogen.

Aflatoxin can cause the liver cancers to the humans, it causes lower the body’s normal immune response, and it can impair the growth in the children. The crop protection chemicals are used to control the insect damage that leads to aflatoxin contamination.

Tamara Morrison, acting registrar, PCA

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ormer Deputy Food Storage Officer of the Food Storage & Prevention of Infestation Division, Tamara Morrison has been acting registrar Pesticides Control Authority since the departure of Michael Ramsay in May 2018. Morrison has described as a dynamic, efficient, multi-faceted professional with over 22 years experience in the food safety and food storage industries.

She is a graduate of Mona School of Business and Management, UWI with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Post Graduate Diploma Plant Production.

To verify if a product is legal, contact the Pesticides Control Authority (876) 754-9306 or (876) 633-7778.

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PESTICIDES AWARENESS FEATURE

Good agricultural practices and pesticides management

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he Rural Agricultural Development Authority sees the necessity in notifying farmers and the general public of the proper uses of pesticides.

See below useful information that can greatly assist in the employment of good agricultural practices and pesticides management.

Understanding the Pesticide Label The use of pesticides has become an indispensable factor of agricultural production. Nearly all pesticides are toxic and can be potentially dangerous to humans if exposure is excessive. Pesticides however, can be used safely. Information on this is contained in the manufacturer’s label.

Pesticide labels can be defined as visual aid and support for concise, practical, easy-understood information on the procedure for using product and for protecting the user and the environment from risk of accident.

By law, certain kinds of information must appear on a pesticide label and applicators have the legal responsibility to read, understand and follow the label directions.

‘Keep out of reach of children’ precaution statementisrequired to be on all pesticide containers. Accidental poisonings and deaths can be prevented by observing this precaution.

Pesticide labels should contain/satisfy the following: Product name(or pesticide product) is the pesticide active ingredient(s) and other components, in the form in which it is packaged and sold.

Type of pesticideThe label must indicate what type of pesticide the product is or what types of pests it will control. For example insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, rodenticide etc.

Manin a protective suit spraying pesticide Signal word: indicates the toxicity of the product and describes the acute (shortterm) toxicity of the formulated pesticide product.

The signal word can be either: DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. Active ingredient(common or chemical name)means the biologically active part of the pesticide. Many different pesticides will contain the same active ingredient. By purchasing pesticides according to the common or chemical name you will be sure you are getting the right active ingredient no matter what the trade name or formulation is.

Pesticide formulation is the mixture of chemicals which effectively controls a

pest. Example of formulations are: Wettable Powder (WP), Granules (G), Baits (B), Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) among others.

Precautionary statements: identify potential hazards and recommend ways that the risks can be minimized or avoided e.g.

"Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals," "Environmental Hazards," and "Physical or Chemical Hazards."

First aid information: indicates what should be done if the product accidentally contacts eyes, mouth, skin, or is inhaled or ingested.

Personal protective equipment (PPE): Indicates what protective clothing should be worn when handling and applying the

product.

Directions for use: tells how and where the product can be used. It tells the user how much is okay? Pesticide labels will list the days-to-harvest or preharvest interval (PHI), which is the minimum number of days between the last pesticide application and crop harvest. The pesticide is degraded during PHI so that pesticide residues, if present, will be at levels below tolerances established Storage and disposal: Indicates how the product should be stored and what should be done with leftovers.

Manufacturer's contact information: Indicate how the manufacturer can be contacted.

Tips to remember when using pesticides Always read the label carefully to ensure that the product is intended for your specific use.

Do not make assumption that the pesticide can be use on any crop.

Use of higher than recommended dose rate can waste money and may harm people and the environment. It may not provide better control and can be even less effective.

Buy only what you need. Storing and disposing of leftover pesticides can lead to unnecessary risks.

Read the label over before using pesticide instead of relying on your memory.

Using pesticides in accordance with the label recommendations ensures safety of our food and environment.

Contributed by: Rural Agricultural Development Authority Email: dttti@rada.gov.jm

St. Vincent and the Grenadines bans importation of Roundup and other pesticides dance with the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” the statement added .

With the suspension of these products, Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar, has called on all stakeholders to be appreciative of the suspension on the importation of the chemicals “in light of the nation’s quest to promote a safe working environment and good agricultural health and food safety practices.”

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he Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has placed an immediate suspension on the importation of pesticides that contain the acting ingredient glyphosate.

Acting on the advice of the Pesticides Board, the government on Friday said the chemical is found in pesticides such as Round-Up, Touchdown and Glyphos.

According to a statement on Friday, the move is pending a technical review by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour.

“A preliminary review was conducted by the Pesticides Board which revealed that further research is needed regarding these listed chemicals. In the interim, a special technical committee was established to advise on sustainable alternatives to the listed chemicals. This committee is expected to present its findings by October 1,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Food and Agriculture Or-

Book your adverts today... ganization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) have been requested to provide support to the Ministry of Agriculture to conduct a full chemical analysis of these products.

The Ministry of Agriculture is also scheduled to launch a national sensitisation

programme with all stakeholders within the sector.

“The Department of Labour takes this opportunity to remind farmers and farm workers of the duty of care needed while using all chemicals. All employers must provide protective gears and a safe working environment for employees in accor-

The Agriculturalist Newspaper Call Adira 923-7471

28 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • SEPT - OCT 2018

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Cuban president meets representatives of U.S. agricultural business sector New York,NY Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel met with representatives of the U.S. agricultural sector on Thursday and highlighted how this is one of the areas that most strongly advocates for normalizing relations between the two countries.

"Although our agenda in this visit to the UN General Assembly is very tight, but we had a lot of interest in this meeting and in bringing a message of peace, unity and understanding,” the Cuban president said.

The meeting held at the Cuban Mission to the United Nations was organized by the United States Agricultural Coalition for Cuba (USACC) and by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel

Diaz-Canel recalled that agriculture is one of the sectors in which Cuba has had opportunities, though limited, to have economic and commercial dealings with the U.S., adding that there was a time when the island imported more than 1.1 billion dollars a year of U.S. products. The president said that the figure was reduced due to the reinforcement of the U.S. blockade against the island.

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) President and New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte, along with Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Jewel Bronaugh, Connecticut Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Reviczky, and NASDA CEO Dr.

Barbara P. Glenn were on hand for the encounter.

“We fully support enhancing agricultural trade and cooperation with Cuba, and believe the current U.S. embargo should be lifted,” said Witte. "Many state agricultural officials have existing relationships in Cuba, and we are here today to forge and enhance new partnerships between NASDA members and Cuban officials, particularly in agriculture.”

NASDA members underscored the need for exchanges on biotechnology research and knowledge, as well as cooperation on sanitary and phytosanitary issues.

Trump administration plans to help farmers hurt by global trade tensions Washington (CNN): he Trump administration is offering up to $12 billion in aid to farmers hurt by retaliatory tariffs stemming from President Donald Trump's widening trade feud with other countries.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said Tuesday the emergency aid package will use existing funding to mitigate the estimated $11 billion impact of "illegal tariffs" other countries have imposed on US agriculture exports. The exports have been a prime target of China and other countries that have retaliated against the series of tariffs Trump has imposed in recent months.

"This is a short-term solution that will give President Trump and his administration time to work on long term trade deals to benefit agriculture and all sectors of the American economy," Perdue told reporters on Tuesday.

The aid package will offer muchneeded support to farmers caught up in the burgeoning trade war sparked by tariffs Trump imposed on several of US's largest trading partners. But the proposal was quickly greeted Tuesday with continued criticism from Republicans on Capitol Hill who argued Trump should nix his tariff strategy rather than roll out a financial backstop.

The nearly $12 billion package will include direct payments to producers of key agricultural exports like soybeans, corn, dairy and pork; a program to purchase surplus from some agricultural producers; and efforts to build out markets for US agricultural products.

After Trump announced plans to impose $50 billion in tariffs on Chinese imports, Beijing retaliated with plans to impose tariffs on a range of agricultural products from the US including soybeans, grains, meats and dairy products.

Canada, Mexico and the European Union also struck back at Trump's leveling of US steel and aluminum tariffs by hitting

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Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue US exports of agriculture products and other heavily exported US goods.

Trump had previously directed Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to explore options to mitigate financial losses US farmers are suffering as trade tensions between the US and other countries heat up.

The administration has so far downplayed the impact of Trump's ratcheting up of trade tensions on US producers by emphasizing the long-term benefits of his efforts to even out US trade relationships.

The rollout of billions of dollars in aid on Tuesday will be the first action Trump has taken to protect farmers from the whiplash they have had to face in recent months.

Perdue, for one, has called the impact on farmers a "temporary situation," but had signaled that the administration would consider efforts to mitigate farmers' financial losses.

While Republicans in Congress refrained from directly criticizing Trump, GOP leaders and rank-and-file members advocated against tariffs and trade feuds that result from them.

Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who recently defended Trump amid GOP criticism of his handling of Russia, also criticized Trump's plan.

The mission of Agri Life Foundation is to enhance the social and economic well being of farmers as well as to build awareness, understanding and a positive publicperception of agriculture and the environment.

Patrick Maitland Executive Director AGRI LIFE FOUNDATION LTD 188 Spanish Town Road, Kingston 11, Jamaica W.I. Tel: 1-876-923-7471; 1-876-926-1340; US # 1-718-772-0860 patrick@agrilifefoundation.org www.agrilifefoundation.org

A L F da h b

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SEPT - OCT 2018 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 29

HEALTH AND NUTRITION

NUTRICARE

By GLORIA BENT, MS, RD, CDN Nutritionist Questions & Comments: Gloria.Bent@gmail.com

The Impact of Salt on Your Body and Life T

Alcohol and farmers

By FHadmin lcohol is widely used in social interactions but it can cause many health, social, and safety problems when not used responsibly. People in farming communities are more likely to binge drink (consume alcohol at short-term risky levels) when compared with the general Jamaican population.

Farmers must take special care not to be under the influence of alcohol while using farm equipment, tractors, bikes, other vehicles or handling animals. Alcohol will affect your judgment and put you and others at greater risk of farm accidents and road accidents.

Alcohol can also contribute to violence, and family conflict. It is estimated that alcohol is involved in up to 40% of family violence incidents that are reported to the police and up to 35% of Jamaican child abuse cases. Alcohol is associated with an increased likelihood of violence occurring and an increase in the severity of harm that results from this violence.

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If you drink, limit your alcohol to no more than two standard drinks a day and make sure you have two alcohol free days each week. High risk drinking is when you drink more than 4 standard drinks on one occasion. It can cause serious short and long-term health effects. If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol at all.

Used excessively for a long time, alcohol can cause a range of health effects including (but not limited to) high blood pressure, liver damage, cancer of the mouth, throat and brain injury.

Rural issues – alcohol and depression There is a strong link between alcohol misuse, depression and suicide. Selfmedication with alcohol is a common, but unsafe and ineffective coping strategy for farmers and other people living in rural and remote areas. Alcohol only masks the symptoms of depression and stress, and can make you feel worse.

Order your copy of

Farmers’ Almanac AMC Complex, 188 Spanish Town Road, Kingston 11, Jamaica, W.I.

Tel: (876) 923-7471 • 923-7428 editor@theagriculturalist.com

he one thing that salt have most in common is that they taste good with a huge variety of different foods.

Unfortunately, salt also difficult to consume in moderation.

Even if you avoid salty snack foods, salt can find its way into your diet as a part of the recipes that you prepare. What sort of harm can salt cause to your body?

Here are just a few of the reasons that you should really try to cut down.

Too Much Salt Raises Blood Pressure Salt is the average American’s main source of sodium, a dietary mineral that the body needs.

Sodium helps with muscle function, as well as maintaining the fluid balance in your body.

However, if your kidneys aren’t able to keep up with the amount of sodium you consume, your body retains water in order to help dilute it.

Why is this bad?

Much of this fluid is then pulled into your blood vessels, which increases your blood volume and creates more pressure within the vessels.

Increased blood pressure also increases your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Excessive Sodium Causes Kidney Damage High blood pressure isn’t the only problem caused by the strain that excessive sodium puts on your kidneys.

Processing all of this sodium can also take its toll on them, resulting in a loss of function.

Ten ways to improve your diet Courtesy of The National MS Society 1. Eat three fruits every day. Keep a bowl of fruit on hand to satisfy those sugar cravings.

2. Add beans to your diet. Black bean soup, bean burritos, red beans and rice, and bean dip are examples.

3. Increase your vegetable intake. Double up veggies at your evening meal. Add sliced tomatoes to your lunch. Snack on raw vegetables.

4. Stop eating when you are satisfied. Be aware of portion sizes—most restaurant meals could feed two people. Take leftovers home for another meal.

5. Eat whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, and whole grain cereals.

6. Enjoy two sources of low-fat dairy products every day: milk, yogurt, cheese.

7. Use olive oil or canola oil. Limit saturated fat. Read the labels. And remember that fatty meats or cheeses, butter, and whole milk products have large amounts of saturated fat.

8. Eat three meals every day. People who skip meals tend to make up the calories anyway.

9. Drink more water. Plain water. It's caffeine and calorie free.

10. There's more to nutrition. A good diet can help you fight fatigue as well.

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