Minister of Agriculture, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, says poverty in most rural communities has dropped, as a result of increased earnings from agriculture. Addressing a World Food Day ceremony at the Maud McLeod High School in Darliston, Westmoreland, on October 16, Mr. Kellier said there is clear evidence that in spite of the challenges which continue to...

Minister of Agriculture, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, is urging young persons to view agriculture as a career path of choice, as it is a viable income earner that can help change lives. He noted that relevant strategies have been deployed to put the sector on a path of growth and that the time is now ripe for...

President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Senator Norman Grant, has hailed the ‘Eat Jamaican’ campaign for helping to reduce  the country’s food import bill. “If we did not have the ‘Eat Jamaican’ campaign, our food bill could be US$1.5 billion. The campaign has managed to save Jamaica US$500 million,” Senator Grant said. The President was speaking at the celebration...

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, has lauded the work of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Speaking at the official opening of the new Trelawny parish office of RADA at Hague, near Falmouth, on October 1, Mr. Kellier said RADA, which is an arm of the Ministry, has become synonymous...

Jamaicans, particularly those living in urban centres, are being encouraged to plant more trees, in order to offset carbon dioxide emissions, which scientists say, are the main contributor to global warming and climate change. The heat-trapping emissions, released from activities such as electric power generation, factory operations and transportation, are a key driver of rising temperatures that could lead to...

The Scientific Research Council (SRC), the agency with principal responsibility for coordinating and promoting Jamaica’s scientific research, is urging persons to come forward with their creative ideas, and take full advantage of the assistance, which is available. Executive Director of the SRC, Dr. Cliff Riley, said the agency is aware that there are many Jamaicans, who have good ideas, and...

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) has been producing a wide range of disease-free plantlets for the agricultural sector. Process Development Officer at the SRC, Gillian Rowe, said through the use of tissue culture technology, planting material is being made available to farmers and horticulturists. These include banana, plantain, pineapple, ginger, several varieties of yam, herbal products, and various ornamentals. She...