The agriculturalist october 2016

Budhan in charge

VOL. 26 NO. 4 • October 2016

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FREE COPY

• Donovan Stanberry on leave

BY KIMMY BLAIR The Agriculturalist Reporter

etired public servant and former permanent secretary in the then Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Reginald Budhan has been appointed to act as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries.

The Agriculturalist understands that Budhan is acting for Donovan Stanberry, who has been on a three-month vacation leave since Sept. 5, 2016.

Stanberry’s departure from the ministry ended months of speculation in the agricultural community that he is being transferred to another ministry in light of reports that he and other senior members of the ministry received loans from the European Union-funded Cane Expansion Fund.

The Agriculturalist also understands that several farm stakeholders, Services Commission and the European Delegation in Jamaica, as well as leaders in both the Peoples’ National Party and the Jamaica Labour Party, want the permanent secretary out of agriculture.

“There were several plans in place before the general elections of Feb. 25 to transfer Mr. Stanberry. Plus he wanted to use the opportunity to complete his doctorial studies, which could be the reason he opted to take vocation leave now,” a reliable source in the Agriculture Ministry told The Agriculturalist.

However, the announcement came as a surprise among ministry officials and agriculturalists that Stanberry was retained as the permanent secretary in the new super Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries after the JLP took office.

The objections to Stanberry intensified in agricultural and political circles. Minister Karl Samuda reportedly has had no problem working with Stanberry, but several of Samuda’s colleagues in the government were not comfortable with the permanent secretary who has been in the post since March 2006.

Up to press time, The Agriculturalist was unable to confirm if Stanberry was asked to take leave or if he will return to his post in December when his vacation ends.

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JAS recorded net loss of $8.2 M Frosty Pod Rot hits cocoa crop Page 7

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REGINALD BUDHAN

Acting permanent secretary Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries

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EDITORIAL

We need more active farmers’ organizations

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amaican farmers were among the most organized set of primary producers in this region of the world with the establishment of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) in 1895.

The intent was to “stimulate interest of all categories of farmers on the island in agricultural pursuits, and to establish a forum where all farmers could meet, discuss their problems to initiate plans, elect officers and to do all other things necessary for the welfare of the farming community.”

Some 122 years later, the JAS is still in operations with only 3,843 members recorded in its annual reports, yet president Norman Grant continues to claim a 200,000-membership strong society.

The JAS affiliated commodity associations, which were also started by our colonial leaders, are best described as ineffective or dead. The Jamaica Citrus Growers Association, the Pimento Growers Association, the Cocoa Growers Federation, the All Island Cane Farmers Association, the All Island Banana Growers Association, the Coffee Growers Federation and the Jamaica Livestock

Association, have been wrecked by a group of self-centered leaders who were more focused on creating wealth for themselves.

We cannot overemphasize the importance of farmers’ organizations as essential institutions for the empowerment, poverty alleviation and advancement of farmers and the rural poor.

Farmers’ organizations strengthen the political power of farmers by increasing the likelihood that policy makers and the public hear their needs and opinions.

Unfortunately, despite our farmers’ organizations having strong political links, especially with the Peoples National Party (PNP), Jamaican farmers have long suffered from government mis- and under-investment in smallholder agriculture.

However, both the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and PNP have been assisting their party supporters/farmers when they are in control of government resources.

In most developed countries where agriculture is successful, the government has always performed a major role in the establishment and operation of farmers group with no political or party affiliations.

patrick@theagriculturalist.com

OPINIONS

OCTOBER 2016 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 3

As government continues to operate under the so-called free-market economic system, farmers’ organizations are more relevant as an economic tool in the efficient production of good and services. An aggressive farmers’ lobby group that is always at war with government and other institutions is no longer the top priority.

However, farmers’ organizations are necessary to help address the lack of access to the island’s limited resources, inappropriate policies, thin and uncompetitive markets, weak rural infrastructure as well as inadequate production and financial services.

Farmers all over the world have tried to address conditions of hunger and poverty by organizing themselves into farmers, producers and various self-help groups and associations.

With the government already providing up to 80 percent of its annual budget, the JAS will have to lead the drive in getting the farmers back in active commodity organization.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries should assist in ensuring that the bigger farmers do not exploit the small producers.

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.

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Climate is changing - Food and agriculture must too

ne of the biggest issues related to climate change is food security. The world’s poorest - many of whom are farmers, fishers and pastoralists - are being hit hardest by higher temperatures and an increasing frequency in weather-related disasters.

At the same time, the global population is growing steadily and is expected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050. To meet such a heavy demand, agriculture and food systems will need to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and become more resilient, productive and sustainable. This is the only way that we can ensure the wellbeing of ecosystems and rural populations and reduce emissions.

Growing food in a sustainable way means adopting practices that produce more with less in the same area of land and use natural resources wisely. It also means re-

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 Fax: (876) 923-7428 agriculturalist@gmail.com editor@theagriculturalist.com www.theagriculturalist.com

ducing food losses before the final product or retail stage through a number of initiatives including better harvesting, storage, packing, transport, infrastructure, market mechanisms, as well as institutional and legal frameworks.

This is why our global message for

World Food Day 2016 is “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too.”

It resonates with the crucial time in which the day will be observed, just before the next UN Climate Change Conference, COP 22, from 7-18 November 2016 in Marrakech, Morocco.

FAO is calling on countries to address food and agriculture in their climate action plans and invest more in rural development.

By strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers, we can guarantee food security for the planet’s increasingly hungry global population also reduce emissions.

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NEWS

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Minard Livestock Show & Beef Festival for Nov. 10

The annual Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival is scheduled for the Agro-invest Minard Estate, Brown’s Town, St. Ann on Nov. 10, 2016, 10 a.m. The show is being staged by the Jamaica Cattle Breeders Society of Jamaica. For further information, contact Dorrel Hartley, show co-cordinator, at 485-4317 or Lanford Gardner, planning committee secretary, at 551-1761.

AGRO-PROCESSING FACILITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

Project Consultant Gawayne Murdoch (left) of GDM Associates Ltd. describes the layout of the 1,500 sq. ft. agro-processing facility under construction at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority ( RADA) offices in St James to (l-r) acting CEO Peter Thompson; Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon J.C. Hutchinson, agricultural parish manager Sadie Dickinson Bennett and Kemeisha Batchan project manager from the Jamaica Social Investment Fund. The tour of the facility followed meeting of the Minister with farmers groups, RADA Board members and parish staff on Thursday, August 11.

Australia's sugar exports to hit highest in a decade

Frosty Pod Rot hits cocoa crop T A rot.

he Cocoa Board is asking citizens to reports all suspected cases of frosty pod

Frosty pod rot only affects the pods, but is one of the most potentially devastating diseases affecting cocoa.

Highly contagious, it leads to rotting of the pod within three months of infestation, and if left unchecked, could wipe out between 70 and 80 per cent of a cocoa tree’s production.

So, with Jamaica’s cocoa ranked among the top five in the world in the fineflavoured list, the confirmation of the disease at a farm in Clarendon is cause for concern. Local farmers earned an estimated $422.3 million from the sale of cocoa between 2011 and 2016, with US$7.68 million in export earnings.

The disease, caused by the fungus Moniliophthora roreri, invades cocoa pods, damaging them and the seeds within. This is

manifested in the young pods, showing light-yellow swellings and sometimes becoming distorted. The seed mass may also become soft and watery, according to information provided by the Research and Development Division of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries.

Older pods show generally large necrotic (dead), dark-brown spots with irregular borders. Partial or total premature ripening occurs, and internally, seeds become reddish brown. As the disease advances, most of the necrotic surface becomes covered by a whitish fungal growth.

It is for this reason that the agriculture ministry is appealing to any and everyone who sees any symptoms resembling frosty pod rot to report it immediately to the relevant authorities. These include: – Cocoa Industry Board – 923-6411 – Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) – 977-1158-62; toll free – 1888-275-7232 – Research and Development Division – 983-2267 – Plant Quarantine Protection Unit – 5885844

CASE ALUMNI:

Newly elected executive members of the College of Agriculture, Science, and Education Alumni Association at their Annual General Meeting held last Saturday in New Kingston. In photo (standing l-r) Webster McPherson, president; Kirk Boodie, 2nd-vice president; Michael williams, assistant treasurer; Owain Moodie, PRO; and (seated l-r) Joseph Johnson, treasurer; Odean Bradshaw, secretary; Tabara Montique, assistant secretary; Murie Edwards, 3rd vice-president; and Alexi Reid, 1st vice-president

ustralia's sugar exports are to hit 4m tonnes for the first time in a decade, helped by a boost to production from "improved seasonal conditions" for the country's cane crop.

The world's third-largest sugar exporter is expected to ship 4m tonnes in 2016-17, according to the USDA's Sydney bureau.

This is higher than the USDA's official estimate of 3.9m tonnes.

Separately, USDA staff in Sao Paulo unveiled an increased estimate too for sugar exports from Brazil, the top ranked shipper of the sweetener, despite worsened cane production prospects.

Favourable season, expanded area The Australian sugar industry is vulnerable to severe weather conditions, such as cyclones, droughts and flooding.

However, the current Australian Bureau of Meteorology outlook is for warmer and drier weather. These moderate seasonal factors in recent years have led to expansion in area and production.

The Australian sugar production is expected to reach 5.1m tonnes in 201617, according to the report, higher than official figures at 5m tonnes.

High sugar prices have also encouraged cane farmers to increase production areas, which have risen over 40 percent since the beginning of the year to 400,000 hectares, compared to the 10year average of 380,000 hectares.

Returns to cane growers are expected to rise by 19% from a year earlier, according to Abares, an Australian government crop agency.

A slowdown in sugar production in the largest sugar exporter Brazil, along with a number of other countries, has piped up demand for Australian sugar.

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NEWS

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Promoting the use of hydroponic technology in inner cities:

Karl Samuda (right), Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, discusses potting mixture with Burrell Scarlett (2nd right), chief executive officer of Evergrow Garden Center; Richard De Quesada (2nd left), international sales manager, Ramon Alvarado (right), technical representative, both of Lambert Peat Moss Inc; and Don McGlashan, director general of the Ministry, at the Evergrow-Lambert Peat Moss Inc 'Growing Media and Seedling Production Seminar in St. Catherine on September 20.

House passes bill to set up agricultural commodities regulatory authority

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KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Bill to establish the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) was passed in the House of Representatives last Tuesday.

The Authority will merge and replace the existing Coffee Industry Board, Cocoa Industry Board, the regulatory functions of the Coconut Industry Board and the Export Division of the ministry.

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Karl Samuda, who piloted the legislation, explained that the JACRA will be responsible for the development, regulation, promotion, and standardization of the agricultural commodities industry.

This, he said, will ensure the efficient and competitive development of the sector.

Minister Samuda noted that the establishment of the JACRA was recommended following a 2009 study commissioned by the ministry to determine the efficiency and continued relevance of the commodities boards in light of government policies and the shifting mode in international trade arrangements.

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He said the JACRA will assume responsibility for the boards, including the setting of quality standards for coffee, coffee blends, cocoa, coconut, and spices such as nutmeg, turmeric, pimento, and ginger.

The Authority will also provide technical support to stakeholders, grant licenses, and generally regulate trade in the agricultural commodities industry.

JACRA will also be responsible for making regulations with the approval of the responsible minister.

The legislation also provides for the creation of a director general, who will be tasked with the daily administration of the authority and report to the board of directors.

The board will be responsible for the policy, strategic direction and governance of the authority, among other things.

For his part, Opposition Spokesperson on Agriculture, Dr Dayton Campbell, stated his support for the Bill, which was passed with two amendments.

It will be sent to the Senate for its approval.

Specialty Coffee is new owner of Mavis Bank

amaica Producers Group Limited (JP) and Pan Jamaican Investment Trust Limited recently announced on that they have entered into an agreement to transfer shares in Mavis Bank Coffee Factory Limited (MBCF) to Specialty Coffee Investments Company Limited (SCI).

Specialty Coffee is acquiring the shares through JP subsidiary JP Tropical Group Limited, and Scotts Preserves Limited, a subsidiary of Pan Jamaican Investment Trust Limited, which each own 50 per cent of the company.

The Michael Lee Chin owned company, whose other investment company, AIC International Investments bought Wallenford Coffee Company for US$16 million ($1.6 billion) in 2013. Wallenford is the island’s other major Blue Mountain coffee producer.

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JAS recorded net loss of $8.2 M

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A Hutchinson wants GCT removed imported farm supplies

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INISTER without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, JC Hutchinson, says he will be advocating for the removal of general consumption tax (GCT) on imported farm supplies.

Hutchinson noted that these items, which contribute to the development of the local agricultural industry and help to increase farmers’ production, should not attract GCT. “The farmer will have more money to buy two tins of tomato seeds, instead of one,” the minister emphasized.

Hutchinson was addressing the final day of a two-day Climate-Smart Agriculture Symposium, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, in New Kingston.

He reiterated the need for more idle lands to be irrigated for agricultural production, and cited South Manchester as one such area where approximately 5,000 acres of land remain non-irrigated.

“No longer can idle lands be lying around and water is available and we do not have farmers on the land. We need to put a better structure into our agricultural sector,” he said.

JOAM presents ‘Organic October’

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he Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement (JOAM) invites everyone to join them in celebrating the growing use of organic agriculture as a means to providing naturally healthy food, protecting the environment and managing impacts of climate change.

Under the theme, "Organic October", the month-long series of farmer-led local events, will culminate on Thursday October 27th, 2016 with a Public Symposium Celebrating Organic at UWI. JOAM AGM followed at 2pm by Caribbean Academy of Sciences Symposium Celebrating Organic. This will highlight the positive contribution of Organic Agriculture to Prevention, Mitigation and Adaptation of Climate Change impacts; Sustainability; Food Safety and Wellness.

By Patrick Maitland The Agriculturalist Editor

fter recording a low $928,756 net profit during the year ending March 31, 2015, the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) has recorded a whopping $8.2 million loss at the end of the March 31, 2016 financial year.

According to the financial statement in the Society’s annual report for the period ending March 2016, operating revenue totaled $96.2 million, an increase of $3.6 million or 4 percent, over the financial year ending March 2015.

An $80.47 million subvention from the Government contributed over 84 percent of the JAS total income during 2016.

Operating expenses totaled $105.3 million, a $12.2 million or 10 percent increase over the 2014/2015 period.

“We have been implementing some deliberate strategies to reduce cost. However, we had increased operating costs associated with staff and travelling as a result of a movement in wage rate by the government,” the reports claimed.

The society’s total assets stood at $525.1 million, an increase of $41.5 million, when compared to the 2014/2015 period.

However, the total liabilities was $20.14 million, an increased of 16.8 million.

With a bank overdraft of $473,835 and only $1.64 million as cash-in-hand, the JAS could face a major cash flow problem in the new fiscal year if it fails to generate more revenue, while cutting back on operating expenses.

During the year, the JAS repaid a $22.2 million loan with the First Global Bank with a loan of $35 million from the National Commercial Bank (NCB).

The $12.8 million balance from the NCB loans are being repaid at $461,590 per month. The loans are secured by liens on the JAS’s real estate. Final payment is set for 2031.

The popular Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show, which is staged by the Society, recorded a $1.64 million profit last year, compared with $5.35 million, or a 68.4 percent, decline in the previous year. Operating revenue was 53.45 in 2016, compared with $75.92 in 2015, while expenses stood at 46.92 million (2016) and $65.64 million (2015), according to the report.

In his comments on the JAS annual report, president Norman Grant told The Agriculturalist that while the organization’s profit experienced decline as a result of increases in staff travelling and other operating experiences, the positive revaluation of lands and buildings owned by the Society

were among the positive trends.

“Our buildings in Port Antonio and Savanna-la-mar are being developed to provide additional rental income in the coming year,” he disclosed.

“We do face challenges, however, if you recalled where we are coming from, today the JAS is in a much better position financially, but we will continue to manage

NORMAN GRANT President, JAS

our expenses and strengthen our income sources,” Grant noted.

Meanwhile, the JAS board of management got directors’ emoluments of $2.01 million, while President Grant got an honorarium of $4.5 million, which he said included the few years he was not paid. The JAS senior executives received $9.43 million in compensations.

The JAS continued to experience a decline in membership, who contributes only 0.2 percent of its revenues. Total affiliated members in 2015/2016 were 3,843, compared with 4,389 during the year 2014/2015.

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WORLD FOOD DAY FEATURE

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Transforming agriculture to address climate change and other global challenges

ROME: he agricultural sector must transform itself not only to achieve food and nutrition security for all, but also to help address global challenges such as climate change and antimicrobial resistance, FAO Director- General José Graziano da Silva said recently.

In a speech to ministers, government, private sector and civil society representatives attending the biannual meeting of FAO's Committee on Agriculture (COAG, 26-30 September), the Director-General noted how "agriculture is at the very heart" of a recent series of ground-breaking international agreements, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

"Sustainable agriculture is paramount to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, to sustain natural resources, to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, to achieve healthier food systems and to build resilience against crises and natural disasters," Graziano da Silva said.

But he noted that while past developments in agriculture have led to major improvements in productivity, "progress has been uneven" and that "greater emphasis must be placed on the social and environmental dimensions of sustainability".

Sierra Leone's Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, Monty Patrick

Jones, also addressed the meeting, stressing that in Africa boosting agricultural productivity in a sustainable way is not only essential for food and nutrition security, but is also critical to eradicating poverty.

In particular, small-holder farmers "should produce food not just for the table, but also for the market," he said, urging governments to play their part by supporting the process and increasing investments.

"We've seen an increase in investments ... but only a few invest 10 percent" of their budget on agriculture Jones said, referring to a pledge made by African leaders in the 2003 Maputo Declaration.

Another keynote speaker at today's COAG opening, Joachim von Braun, Director of University of Bonn's Center for Development Research, underscored the need for scientific innovation in agriculture to go hand-in-hand with policy reform.

"Agriculture and food systems are transforming, and that must be supported by a sound cooperation between science and policy," von Braun said.

He told participants that for this purpose, an International Panel on Food, Nutrition and Agriculture should be established to assist the international community in the same way as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) "helps guide global climate policy".

BY JOSÉ GRAZIANO DA SILVA FAO Director- General

FAO action on antimicrobial resistance and climate change. Graziano da Silva, noting that the "role of agriculture goes beyond generating food and income," referred to FAO's recent commitment at the United Nations General Assembly to work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health

(OIE) to curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

"We at FAO believe that antibiotics and other antimicrobials should be used in agriculture to cure diseases and to alleviate suffering. Only under strict circumstances they could be used to prevent an imminent threat of infection," the Director-General said.

Graziano da Silva also pointed to growing international recognition that agriculture can play a transformative role in addressing the impacts of climate change.

Countries are set to gather for the COP 22 summit in Morocco in November to put into motion their pledges on climate change, and FAO "stands ready to assist governments, especially of developing countries to have access to international resources that are available to finance these actions," he said.

FAO support for 245 initiatives in 89 countries. Graziano da Silva told participants at COAG's opening session today that in 2014-15, FAO supported 245 initiatives in 89 countries to promote sustainable agricultural production practices based on participatory approaches.

"Results have well exceeded our targets.

More than 80 of these initiatives were implemented in Africa alone," the FAO DirectorGeneral said.

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WORLD FOOD DAY FEATURE

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Building our farmers capacity!

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he recent passage of Hurricane Matthew throughout several Caribbean countries and the United States is an everpresent reminder that more frequently occurring extreme weather events are taking place, not only here in Jamaica, but across the world.

Sadly, these events have resulted not only in a loss of lives and destruction of properties, but also crop yield losses and decreasing livestock population.

Undoubtedly, these events exasperate an already precarious situation and could lead to critical food shortages. The fact is that climate change affects the world’s poor hardest, with over 70% of them relying on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihood.

Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicate that about 25% of the negative economic impacts from climate-related disasters in developing countries are borne by the crop, livestock, fisheries and forestry sectors. As a Government, we therefore have no option but to mitigate the impact of climate change on our vulnerable populations.

It is within this context that I welcome the opportunity to join with the FAO in recognizing World Food Day 2016 under the theme ‘Climate is Changing. Food and Agriculture Must Too’. With the many attendant challenges of climate change on the agricultural sector, the Government has recognized the compelling necessity to facilitate this process by putting in place the policies/programmes required for change in food and agriculture.

BY KARL SAMUDA Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries

In that regard, the Ministry, in collaboration with other key stakeholders, has been implementing a number of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies to include best practices and promotion of climate-smart agriculture and proper water These strategies are aimed at building our farmers capacity to improve their production and productivity as we strive towards food security and a reduction of Jamaica’s food import bill.

Let’s all play our part in addressing climate change which is crucial to our continued fight against hunger as we join the rest of the world in working towards achieving our goal of zero hunger by 2030.

TROPICAL FARMERS’ ALMANAC 2017 Order your copies of

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THE JAMAICA DAIRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD

The Jamaica Dairy Development Board

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supports climate change mitigating interventions

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By Byron Lawrence, Coordinator, Dairy Sector Revitalisation Programme cross the world, the livestock sectors have been immensely affected by the impacts of climate change, and as such, the traditional approach to the rearing of livestock should be appropriately modified in order to realize enhanced production of these sectors.

By so doing, livestock will be better able to withstand the effects of the harsh climatic conditions in an attempt to produce more to satisfy the demand of an expanding population.

As Jamaica’s agricultural sector recognises “World Food Day” on October 14, 2016, the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) is willing to share its successes in increasing the production and consumption of “Farm Fresh Dairy Milk” from healthy dairy animals, supported by mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. Following are some of the outcomes of the JDDB climate change mitigating interventions: Temperature increase The JDDB has distributed brochures on the importance of supplying an adequate amount of water for the Dairy animals, inasmuch as 87% of milk is made of water. Also, through the JDDB’s Watering Assistance Programme, both small and large dairy farmers were given watering troughs, and eight (8) sylvo-pastoral systems were established on selected farmer’s holdings, to provide forage and shade for the dairy animals.

Feed quality and Diseases The JDDB has provided farmers with improved grass cultivars as well as other forages, the most popular being the Mulato II (Bracharia spp). These grasses are able to withstand climatic conditions and are resistant to many pests and diseases, while providing a high dry matter and crude protein content, including other essential elements that are important in the animal’s diet.

Farmers have been educated in the importance of fodder conservation such as hay and silage, Mulato II grass cultivar is recommended for the hay production. These conservation methods are implemented either prior to the onset of drought (hay) or is used when green fodder is available (silage).

Everton Parkes, Farming Systems Specialist at Jamaica Dairy Development Board points to silage-an age old proven technology of conserving fodder which is promoted by the Board.

Adaptation The JDDB continues its facilitation of animal improvement programmes designed to engender the genetic improvement of dairy animals in Jamaica, through the process of selection, reared under extreme environmental conditions. The objective is to realize enhanced milk production, on a sustainable basis within the context of constraints imposed by the uncertainty of a dynamic environment, dictated by the phenomenon of climate change.

For further information contact:

THE JAMAICA DAIRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD

Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries • Hope Gardens, Kingston 6.

Tel: 1 876 927 1731-41; Ext: 2218/2241 • FAX:+1 876 977 1875 • E-mail: dairyboard@micaf.gov.jm

Bracharia spp at 7-8 weeks at a farm in Clarendon. This variety is drought tolerant and is among the forage species been promoted by The Jamaica Dairy Development Board.

THE JAMAICA DAIRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD

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OCTOBER 2016 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 11

Hay production is another age-old proven technology for fodder conservation that is promoted by The JDDB.

Grass fields that are cut too low or overgrazed takes a longer time to recover. To optimise productivity, The JDDB promotes proper pasture rotation and or harvesting cycles that are appropriate to the particular forage specie.

Mr. Donald Elvey, Chairman of The Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) converses with a dairy farmer, Ing. Rafael T. Talamas Martínez in Mexico on the high productivity of a zero grazing dairy farming system. Mr. Elvey was leading a delegation from Jamaica recently on a technical mission to Mexico organised

by The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture and Agromod, Mexico.

Dairy cows consuming silage. With proper nutrition, cattle can average over 30 litres of milk per day. Jamaica currently averages 7 litres per cow per day. The JDDB is seeking to significantly increase productivity through its production and productivity enhancement programmes.

For further information contact: THE JAMAICA DAIRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD

Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries • Hope Gardens, Kingston 6.

Telephone:+1 876 927 1731-41; Ext: 2218/2241 • FAX:+1 876 977 1875 • E-mail: dairyboard@micaf.gov.jm

Dairy Board’s ‘Milk for Mothers’ Programme Helping to Improve Dairy sector

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n pursuit of its mandate to promote the viability of the dairy sector, the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) has been implementing measures to expand milk production and consumption in Jamaica.

The latest consumer-based activity urges pregnant women to drink more milk to improve their nutrition, the nutrition of their unborn babies and to stimulate their own milk production for healthy breastfeeding after their babies are born.

The initiative is part of the Postnatal and Antenatal Nutrition Support Programme, which the JDDB first announced at the press launch of World Milk Day which was observed on June 1 this year.

The JDDB is partnering with four milk processors – Edwards Dairy based in Hanover, Island Dairies Limited based in St. Ann, Jamaica Beverages based in St. Catherine and Serge Island Dairies based on St. Thomas–as well as Regional Health Authorities of the Ministry of Health.

Under the programme, pregnant women enrolled at various antenatal clinics of selected health facilities are provided with three pints of milk each every week for 12 weeks.

First launched as a pilot in a few locations, the programme has now been expanded to include at least one health facility in each parish.

Already the programme has been implemented at health centres in Montego Bay and Cambridge, St James; Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland; Ramble, Hanover; Falmouth, Trelawny; Alexandria, St. Ann; Oracabessa, St. Mary; New Market and Aberdeen in St. Elizabeth and Mandeville, Manchester.

The programme to encourage pregnant women to drink more milk will also be implemented in May Pen, Clarendon; Spanish Town and Linstead in St. Catherine; Red Hills Road, Stony Hill, and Gordon Town in St. Andrew; Slipe Road in Kingston; Morant Bay, St. Thomas and Port Antonio in Portland.

Mr. Hugh Graham, CEO at the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) (r) presents a package with milk to Ms. Thalene Campbell (2nd right), client at the antenatal clinic of the New Market Health Centre, St. Elizabeth. The presentation is part of the Postnatal and Antenatal Nutrition Support Programme being implemented at health facilities across the country by the JDDB in collaboration with milk processors and the Regional Health Authorities of the Ministry of Health. Also in photo (l-r) are Mr. Livingston Binns, Marketing Manager at Island Dairies Limited; Mr. Sean Brissett, Parish Manager with the St. Elizabeth Health Service and Mrs. Alice Carney, Regional Nutritionist with the Southern Regional Health Authority.

Mr. Byron Lawrence (l), Project Manager for the Dairy Revitalisation Programme of the JDDB, presents milk processed by Island Dairies Limited to Dr. Beverly Wright (2nd right) Medical Officer of Health for Manchester during a presentation of milk to pregnant women at the Manchester Comprehensive Clinic on September 23. Also (l-r) Mr. Earl McLaughlin, Parish Manager for the Manchester Health Services and Mr. Livingston Binns, Marketing Manager for Island Dairies Limited. The donation of three pints of milk to each pregnant mother at the clinic every week for three months is part of the Postnatal and Antenatal Nutrition Support Programme being implemented in each parish by the JDDB in collaboration with milk processors in Jamaica and the Health Authorities of the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Beverly Wright, Medical Officer of Health for Manchester (2nd left) talks to Ms. Shericka Bennett (2nd r) about the benefits of milk for her and her unborn baby. The occasion was the presentation of milk to pregnant women at the Mandeville Comprehensive Clinic as part of the Postnatal and Antenatal Nutrition Support Programme being implemented at health facilities across the country by the JDDB in collaboration with milk processors and the Regional Health Authorities of the Ministry of Health.

Under the programme, pregnant women at selected health centres each receive three pints of milk per week for three months as nutrition support.

Mr. Byron Lawrence (l) Project Manager for the JDDB’s Dairy Revitalisation Project and Mr. Livingston Binns, Marketing Manager at Island Dairies Limited, participate in the presentation.

THE JAMAICA DAIRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD - Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries • Hope Gardens, Kingston 6.

Telephone:+1 876 927 1731-41; Ext: 2218/2241 • FAX:+1 876 977 1875 • E-mail: dairyboard@micaf.gov.jm

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OCTOBER 2016 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 13

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AGRO-CHEMICAL FEATURE Environmental Effects of the use of Agrochemicals

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his includes a wide range of chemicals in the form of pesticides, weed killers/herbicide, fungicides, nematicides and artificial fertilizer. Using chemicals bring obvious advantages to the farmer and the consumer, but there are also disadvantages.

However, recently there have been expressions of concern among some scientists and agricultural practitioners of the adverse impact of the use of agricultural chemicals, on the environment.

Advantage of using agricultural chemicals The advantages include: • The effects of application may be seen relatively quickly: pests and weeds can be destroyed before they cause much damage to the crop • Improved crop yield: crops benefit from the removal of weeds and pests, and will grow better; farmers make more profit; there is a better supply of quality produce to the consumer • Pest and weed control takes less time: manually applied cultural methods are more time- consuming and labour intensive • The farmer who uses chemicals has more time for other operations

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• A longer storage life for food • Reduction in the overhead expenses on the farm: with the use of herbicide labour cost is reduce significantly.

Disadvantages of agro chemicals • They get dispersed into the environment and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem • Chemicals applied to the soils or sprayed on to crops can be leached by rain water into rivers and underground aquifers, eventually into the ocean • Excessive use of chemicals can cause pollution and affect both plant and animal life • Prolong use of the same chemical over time can cause pathogens to become resistant to the pesticide • Chemicals can build up in organisms (such as shellfish) and subsequently move throughout the food chain • Fertilizers such as NPK get washed from farm lands into rivers; the increase in nitrates and phosphates cause algae growth to increase (eutrophication)

RADA GETS MAGNIFYING HAND LENS:

Peter Thompson- RADA CEO (Acting), Jenelia Attalla – RADA Chairman, Olive Downer- Deputy CEO H&L, Vincent Gall- Syngenta Sales Manager Dom Rep. and Caribbean and Victor Guevara – Syngenta Marketing Rep. Dom Rep. and Caribbean displaying some of the 100 magnifying hand lens donated to RADA for use by Agricultural Extension Officers in the proper identification and diagnosis of agricultural pests and diseases.

Source: The Jamaica Dairy Development Board

Use Pesticides Safely:

• Be sure plant and site is on the label.

• Be sure pest is on the label.

• Follow label directions for mixing.

• Follow label directions about wearing protective clothing.

• Check label for other precautions.

• Protective Clothing and Equipment.

BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE AWARD:

Doreen Lawson (second right front row) of KDL Agricultural Supplies receives the Hi-Pro Feeds Best Overall Performance Award from Conley Salmon (right), VP, Agricultural Marketing for Jamaica Broilers Group, while members of the Hi-Pro team and staff of KDL Agricultural Supplies also celebrate the occasion which was held on Sept 25 at Jewel, Runaway Bay to honour Hi-Pro Feeds’ dealers.

SBE host Farmers Workshop October–November

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BE Business Support Center was established in 2010 as a private organization to provide the Small Business sector a special service in Business couching, prepaid business plans and other relative services.

In this year SBE have rebranded and rename SBE Construction Business Development Services Ltd., now refocused towards farming development through training with new technology skills.

SBE recent survey at Denbigh 2016, which revealed that there is a urgent need to equip the Jamaican Farmers with modern

skills. In keeping with the Government policy SBE will be hosting four farmers’ Workshop under the theme “Supporting Agriculture Through Training and Export Marketing,” in the parish Mandeville, St. Andrew, St. Elizabeth and St. Mary.

These workshop will commence on October 28, 29 and 31 (Kingston); November 3-5; (Mandeville) November 10-12 (St. Elizabeth); November 17-19 (St. Mary) 2016 respectively, For further details, please contact: Derrick Rodgers, MAP International 1-876-789-5551

H

HI-PRO PARTNERS WITH OVER 200 FEED STORES TO DRIVE RETAIL SALES TO $17 B

i-Pro has attributed a significant portion of its multi-billion dollar revenue for 2015 to the outstanding support of local farm stores, dealers, and farmers island wide. The company has been working with over 200 dealers across the island to grow their businesses in support of the agricultural industry.

“Last year the average dealer increased revenue by about 20 per cent and we estimate that these stores made retail sales in excess of J$17 billion collectively,” said Mr. Salmon Vice President, Agricultural Marketing for Jamaica Broilers Group.

In recognition of this growth, Hi-Pro – a division of The Jamaica Broilers Group – held an awards function on Sunday, September 25 at Jewels Runaway Bay to honour a number of the over 100 dealers in attendance.

In his address to the gathering, Mr. Salmon said: “We recognise the important role these stores play in their communities as the main sources of products, information and much needed credit. So Hi-Pro has been giving support through a series of seminars in stores and on farms to drive business to the dealers and grow agriculture through a sustained partnership.”

Hi-Pro also introduced new products to the market from such major brands as BASF, Agricenter, and Monsanto, for pest control, improved plant health and nutrition.

These were in addition to new lines of animal care and health products like the over-the-counter Frontline flea and tick control for dogs and cats.

Details of these products were presented jointly at the Awards Ceremony by Dayne Patterson, Busi-

ness Development Manager for HiPro and Tricia Jackson, Stores Operations Manager, Hi-Pro Ace Supercentre.

“Agriculture is growing, as the Ministry of Industry, Commerce Agriculture & Fisheries can attest and as we can see in the increase in sales and profits in the industry,” Mr. Salmon said.

The Vice President at Jamaica Broilers Group noted that the Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed that local broiler production from small and large farms had reached 2.5 million kilos a week, up from about 2 million and is poised to grow further to 3 million kilos a week, as we displace imports with local production. “ “Which other industry has grown by such leaps and bounds in one year?” he asked.

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