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Local manufacturers will get an opportunity to participate in the development of standards for value-added agricultural products and further expand their markets in terms of agro-processing and food exportation, at the upcoming 26th session of the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV). The meeting, scheduled for the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel, Montego Bay, from October 15-19, is being...

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Roger Clarke, has underscored the need for the zoning of arable lands, to ensure they are utilised for cultivation and other agricultural purposes. Speaking at Wednesday's (October  3) final African, Pacific and Caribbean (ACP) Fish II Programme validation workshop, organised by the Ministry and the Belize–based ACP Regional Co-ordinating Unit, at the Farmers' Training Centre,...

An Aquaculture Development Plan is to be implemented this year, with assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Roger Clarke, says some $22 million will be allocated from the Fisheries Management Development Fund (FMDF), to carry out the exercise. The Minister was addressing an African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Fish II Programme validation workshop,...

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is moving to assist local pig farmers in generating bio-energy from their operations, which could boost their income and benefit the renewable energy sector. FAO Sub-Regional Livestock Development Officer for the Caribbean, Dr. Cedric Lazarus, said the organisation is making arrangements to facilitate a visit to Jamaica by German bio-energy expert Professor Jens Born...

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has completed work on a draft Swine Sector Review for Jamaica's pig industry. This review forms part of an undertaking by the FAO in four Caribbean countries, under the organisation's Regional Swine Influenza Project, through which requests for the document's preparation were made. The other countries in which similar reviews were drafted are: Barbados,...

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative to Jamaica, Bahamas and Belize, Dr. Jerome Thomas, says strategic systematic and sustained responses are needed to address the challenges threatening the food and nutrition security of Caribbean countries. Dr. Thomas argued that "there is every reason to believe" that the Caribbean region’s food and nutrition security status has been negatively affected by factors,...

With the restructuring of Jamaica's sugar industry now moving full speed ahead, there are some social consequences, one of which is the need for resettlement of  persons who were living in estate barracks. With this in mind, the Government has made provisions in the 2012/2013 financial year, for the resettlement of some 876 residents of sugar estates across the country...

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Roger Clarke, says the Ministry is currently conducting research on cassava, aimed at using the tuber as a partial substitute in the production of animal feeds. Speaking at the  Jamaica Pig Farmers Association (JPFA) annual general meeting at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, on September 27, Mr. Clarke informed that scientists at the Ministry's...

Two contracts valued at $41. 2 million for the construction of housing solutions for sugar workers in  Westmoreland, were signed by Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, in Savanna-la-mar, on  September 28. Ground was also broken for the commencement of infrastructure works for both contracts, immediately following the signing. Managing Director of Share-Con Limited, Clive Sterling, signed on...

Stakeholders in the international processed food industry will converge in Jamaica next month for the 26th session of the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV).   The meeting, scheduled for the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel, Montego Bay, from October 15-19, is being co-hosted by the United States of America (USA). This is the first time that a small...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is moving to further enhance production in nine key crops and sectors, as part of short term efforts to counter the challenges associated with rising global food prices that could have serious implications for Jamaica. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Roger Clarke, says the crops and sectors identified include: Irish potato, onion, yam, honey, small ruminants,...

Ten families, formerly residents of the Causeway Fishing Village in Portmore, St. Catherine, have been presented with titles to their new properties in Portmore Villa by State Minister for Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Richard Azan. The titles were handed over during a ceremony held at the Ministry’s offices in Kingston, on September 24. A total of 16 families who...