The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is encouraging farmers to download its new mobile application, currently available in the Google Play Store for Android users. The app, which was launched on November 24, offers a variety of features, including options for users to request farm visits from RADA Extension Officers, report issues experienced on farms and document farm information. RADA’s...

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Winston Simpson, has cited several factors that may impact supplies and prices leading up to the Christmas season. These include seeds not germinating because of the excessive heat, lack of labour, and supply-chain issues being faced based on the slow movement of goods coming through the Panama Canal. Speaking...

Consumers have been advised to brace for disruptions in domestic food supplies, especially for vegetables, consequent on the impact of heavy rains from Potential Tropical Cyclone 22. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, indicated this during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (December 5). “In the short term, we anticipate disruptions to our food...

Twenty-seven farmers who were insured under the GK Insurance Weather Protect Scheme and impacted by the recent heavy rains are set to receive payouts. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, made the disclosure during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (December 5). He informed that the farmers, who are from Clarendon, Manchester and St....

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has partnered with the Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement (JOAM) on a $50-million Soil Regeneration and Fertility Improvement Project as part of a wider strategy to improve soil fertility on the island. Speaking at the World Soil Day Seminar on Tuesday (December 5) at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd...

The local dairy industry’s current resurgence is an opportune time for farmers to invest in the sector, according to Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) Chairman, Dr. Derrick Deslandes. Speaking during the recent launch of a communal milking parlour in Hillside, St. Thomas, Dr. Deslandes noted numerous industry developments occurring locally. “We’re seeing big producers coming on board in Tru Juice....

Local cattle farmers are being encouraged to tag all their animals under the National Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) in order to access key export markets. Praedial Larceny Prevention Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Superintendent Oral Pascoe, has reiterated that tagging animals under NAITS is a requirement if farmers intend to export beef products. “When you...

The Government is collaborating with the Jamaica Pig Farmers Association (JPFA) and other key stakeholders to bolster the industry and ensure its sustainability through the ‘Pork Jamaica’ campaign. The marketing initiative, dubbed ‘Pork Jamaica – The Tastier Protein Choice’, was launched on Tuesday (November 28) at the Ministry’s Hope Gardens complex in St. Andrew. It aims to increase local consumption...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter, is commending the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) Limited for its invaluable contribution to agricultural productivity and food security in Jamaica. Mr. Witter, who was addressing the agency’s 36th anniversary luncheon and long service awards ceremony on November 28 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston,...