65 Farmers Receive JAS Medal of Appreciation

Some 65 farmers have been presented with the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) President’s Medal of Appreciation for their sterling contribution to the agricultural sector.

The medals were presented by President of the JAS, Norman Grant, during a ceremony held at the 65th staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in May Pen, Clarendon, on Sunday (August 6).

In his remarks, Mr. Grant said the more than 250,000 farmers in Jamaica have done a tremendous job in contributing to the overall development and stability of the country’s economy.

He noted that the sector has employed 20 per cent of the nation’s labour force, while also saving the country valuable foreign exchange.

The JAS President highlighted the ‘Eat What You Grow’ campaign, which, he said, has saved the economy over US$500 million since its launch in 2003.

“The farmers have increased domestic crop production from 491,000 metric tons of food in 2003 to 668,000 metric tons at the end of 2016,” Mr. Grant said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Grant is urging the Government to further intensify its fight against praedial larceny, which is estimated to cost Jamaican farmers up to $6 billion annually.

“Again, we renew the call for the establishment of a victim compensation fund for farmers who are robbed. We are saying, seize the assets of thieves if found guilty, the assets should be disposed of,” he said.

Mr. Grant also called for amendments to be made to the Proceeds of Crime Act, to include praedial larceny. The move will enable praedial larceny to be treated as organised crime.

He also urged the Development Bank of Jamaica and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to make available a line of credit of up to $1 Billion at an interest rate of four to five per cent, which will be used to expand the agriculture sector.

“We want more support for the farmers, fisherfolk and livestock farmers so we can get more development going for Jamaica,” Mr. Grant said.