Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, has again called for greater youth participation in agriculture, while reiterating Government’s commitment to facilitating entrepreneurial activities in the sector. “Given the youth’s willingness to adapt to new ideas, concepts and technology, it goes without saying that the future of agriculture in Jamaica resides with our young people,” the Minister said. He...

A total of $110 million has been allocated in the 2014/15 Estimates of Expenditure for the European Development Fund (EDF) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Capacity Building Project. The project aims to contribute to facilitating increased and more diversified exports of agricultural and agro-processed products to the European Union (EU) market. As of February 2014, equipment was procured for laboratories at...

The Government has allocated $3.1 million in the 2014/2015 Estimates of Expenditure for the Wind Powered Irrigation Feasibility Assessment Project. The Estimates of Expenditure are to be considered by the Standing Finance Committee of Parliament from April 8 to 10. The objectives of the project are to conduct a wind assessment in the Pedro Plains area of St. Elizabeth by...

An allocation of $30.6 million has been made in the 2014/15 budget, to upgrade several of the island’s abattoirs, under the Diversification of the Caribbean Livestock through the Production of Small Ruminants project. The project’s goal is to contribute to achieving self-sufficiency in regional meat consumption, initially through the development of the small ruminant industry; increase the availability of quality...

The National Irish Potato Programme (NIPP) is reporting that more than 1,400 tonnes of Irish potato have been reaped from 142 hectares of farm land, over the past six months. This, as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries continues to promote local production of Irish potatoes, to meet the current consumption demand of 33 million pounds per year. According to...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is to receive $96.65 million to carry out a project to combat poverty and improve revenues in banana dependent areas. The Jamaica Banana Accompanying Measures (JBAMS) project is being funded by a $90 million grant from the European Union, and $6.65 million from the Government of Jamaica. This is set out in the 2014/15...

Government has allocated $64.9 million towards enhancing the resilience of the country’s agricultural sector and coastal areas. This is set out in the 2014/15 Estimates of Expenditure, currently before the House of Representatives. The project, which is being financed through the Adaptation Fund and the Government, is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Its goal is to...