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Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J. C. Hutchinson (centre), examines corn plucked from the field at the Sydney Pagon Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy in St. Elizabeth during a tour of the institution on Friday (February 10). Vice Principal of the School, Stevie Williams (left), and Principal, Milbert Miller, led the Minister on the tour.

Sydney Pagon STEM Academy to Produce Items for School Breakfast Programme

The Sydney Pagon Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy in St. Elizabeth is to become a hub for the production of items for the breakfast feeding programme for primary schools in the northern section of the parish. Minister without...

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson. (FILE)

More Women Interested in Farming

Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, on tour of Serge Island Dairies in Seaforth, St. Thomas, following the launch of a public relations and advertising campaign for the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) at the property on Friday, February 10.

Gov’t Targetting Dairy Industry’s Revival

Member of Parliament for East Rural St. Andrew, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness (2nd left) and Principal Director of Field Services, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Winston Simpson (left), hand over a Nubian Boer goat to Carlos Williams (third left) of Penfield in Gordon Town during a recent ceremony to deliver agricultural materials to farmers through the AgriHope programme, at RADA’s head office in St. Andrew. At right is Extension Officer, Michael Baker.

East Rural St. Andrew Farmers Get Assistance

Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda (right), emphasises a point during discussion with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory Limited and Secretary of the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association, Norman Grant (left); and Chairman of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ), James Rawle. Occasion was the launch of the Jamaican standard specification for coffee, JS 61:2016, at the BSJ headquarters in St. Andrew on February 1.

Coffee Cess to Provide Resources to Develop Industry

9 years ago AgricultureBudget 2017/2018

Project to Enhance Resilience of Agricultural Sector

A sum of $20 million has been allocated in the 2017-18 budget for a project to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector and coastal areas. As provided for in the Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, the project aims to protect livelihood and food security in vulnerable communities by improving land and water management for the...

9 years ago Agriculture

More Emphasis on Agricultural Sector

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries will continue to consolidate the role of the agricultural sector in driving economic growth and prosperity. This was stated by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, while delivering the 2017-18 Throne Speech in Parliament on February 9. The Governor-General noted that renewed focus will be placed on irrigation expansion....

Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Lebert Drysdale (centre) looks on as recipient of the Distinguished Old Farmer of Excellence for 2017, John R. Gayle (left) greets Old Farmers’ Association of North America (OFANA) scholarship awardee, Moya Campbell during a founders’ day ceremony at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), campus located at Passley Gardens, Portland on January 28.

9 years ago AgricultureEducationScienceYouth

Students Urged to Pursue Studies in Non-Traditional Areas

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid is urging students to pursue academic studies and professions in non-traditional areas, such as agro-science. He made the call during a founders’ day ceremony at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) campus located at Passley Gardens, Portland on January 28. “The world of ago-science offers a multitude...

The vegetable garden established at Independence City Primary School.

9 years ago AgricultureEducation

Vegetable Garden Set up at Independence City Primary

A vegetable garden has been established at Independence City Primary School in Portmore, St. Catherine, which will support the feeding programme at the institution, while helping the students gain an appreciation for the environment. Among the crops in the gardens are sweet pepper, hot pepper, onion, pumpkin, banana, corn, beetroot and carrot. The project falls under a biodiversity awareness programme...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda (left), converses with Chief Executive Officer, PetroCaribe Development Fund, Dr. Wesley Hughes, at the Jamaica Stock Exchange’s (JSE) 12th Regional Investment & Capital Market Conference on Wednesday (January 25), at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston.

9 years ago Agriculture

Sugar to Contribute US$80 Million in Earnings this Year

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, says the sugar industry is expected to contribute US$80 million in earnings to the economy this year. He made the disclosure during his address at the Jamaica Stock Exchange’s (JSE) 12th Regional Investment & Capital Market Conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday (Jan. 26). The Minister, in underscoring...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda (left), speaking at a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony for the in vitro propagation of Irish potato seeds programme, held on January 25 at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices. Others (from second left) are: Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Donovan Stanberry; and Executive Director of the Scientific Research Council (SRC), Dr. Cliff Riley.

9 years ago Agriculture

Agricultural Sector Aims to Supply 100 Per Cent of Local Demand for Irish Potato

The agricultural sector is aiming to supply 100 per cent of local demand for Irish potato in another three years. This was noted by Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, in an interview with JIS News at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the in vitro propagation of Irish potato seeds programme on...

Minister without Portfolio in the Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson (left), in discussion with LASCO Releaf Environmental Awareness Programme (REAP) Head, Stephen Newland, at the sub-launch of the programme at the St. Jago Cathedral Preparatory School in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, on January 24.

9 years ago Agriculture

Farmers Encouraged to Practise Climate-Smart Agriculture

Minister without Portfolio in the Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, is encouraging farmers to practise climate-smart agriculture (CSA), to help grow the sector in a sustainable way. CSA refers to agriculture that sustainably increases productivity, enhances resilience or adaptation, reduces greenhouse gases where possible, and enhances achievement of national food security and development goals. Mr. Hutchinson...