The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is slated to this year establish rainwater harvesting systems, at a cost of $64 million, as part of its efforts to reduce the effects of climate change on the agricultural sector. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Roger Clarke, says the allocation will also fund training for the farmers and other sector stakeholders in smart agricultural practices,...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will shortly embark on a programme aimed at increasing and safeguarding the export of Jamaica’s non-traditional agricultural produce and products. The programme, which will target local farmers and exporters, aims to create an export platform framework that facilitates exchange between suppliers and purchasers in Jamaica and overseas. This is to be achieved through, among...

The recently commissioned census and Carrying Capacity Study on the Pedro Cays, to determine the number of persons occupying the area and the extent and status of infrastructure to accommodate them, has been completed. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2014/15 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on April...

The Government is estimating that it will take one year to tag all 70,000 cattle under its national animal identification and traceability system. This was disclosed by Senior Veterinary Officer in the Veterinary Division at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Candice Phipps, at a post budget media briefing, held at the Ministry’s Hope Gardens office on April 24....

As Jamaican veterinarians get ready to mark World Veterinary Day on April 29, members of the local association are appealing to the government to amend the various outdated laws to ensure the adequate care and protection of animals. President of the Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA), Dr. Robert Thomas, said local professionals have been working towards improving animal health and...

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, is expressing optimism that the revised Fisheries Bill will be tabled in the House of Representatives during the 2014/15 Parliamentary year. The Bill will provide the framework for the proper regulation of the sector and efficient and effective management of the island’s fisheries resources. Mr. Clarke made the disclosure while making his...

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, says agriculture has returned to its “positive growth trajectory”, which he credits to the resilience of farmers, and strategies that the Ministry employed to revive the sector. He noted that the rebound has resulted in an 18 per cent growth for the first three months of 2014, and an increase of 14...