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The transformation of the sugarcane industry is to be bolstered by an injection of $1.8 billion into the Sugar Transformation Project in 2009/10. In the 2009/10 Estimates of Expenditure, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has stated that the overall goal of the project is to achieve an effective transition of the industry to a sustainable sugar cane sector by...

Some 20 farmers, primarily in the Sevens River area of St. James, are to benefit from a GBP $30,000 (J$4 million) grant from the United Kingdom-based non-governmental group, Oxfam International, Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) President, Senator Norman Grant, has informed. Oxfam International was formed in 1995 by a group of independent non-governmental organisations that collaborate to, as best as possible,...

Jamaica led production in February among Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) member states. A release from the SAC says that in February, Jamaica produced 26,038 tonnes of sugar, compared to Belize's 10,503 tonnes; Guyana's 7,928 tonnes; and Barbados' 1,072 tonnes, following its late start on February 24. Only four countries in the English-speaking region continue to export sugar. Trinidad...

President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Senator Norman Grant, is hoping for the inclusion of an agricultural "stimulus package" in the 2009/2010 Estimates of Expenditure. Senator Grant also welcomed the Government's decision on (April 6) to rename the Ministry of Agriculture as Agriculture and Fisheries, noting that the name change suggested a much anticipated increased focus on the fishing...

The St. Catherine 4-H Movement staged a successful Parish Achievement Day on Thursday (April 2), with clubbities from some 35 schools and clubs throughout the parish mounting displays in keeping with the national theme: 'Youth Responding to Food Security.' The event, held at the Spanish Town Primary School, featured exhibits of crops cultivated from school farms and backyard gardens, which...

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has said that the country's export strategy must be adjusted to keep pace with the dynamism of the markets it is targeting. "Our export strategy must be driven by an understanding of the marketplace that we would like to serve," Dr. Tufton told the Jamaica Exporters' Association's (JEA) quarterly luncheon, at the Terra Nova...

The Ministry of Agriculture has started a comprehensive reorganisation of its marketing services, to assist farmers in addressing problems with sourcing markets for their produce. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Donovan Stanberry, told journalists at a media briefing on Tuesday (March 31), at the Ministry's Old Hope Road offices, Kingston, that a team has been appointed to undertake significantly enhanced...

Some 300 former banana farmers in St. Thomas are to benefit from a $58,175, 502 (EU 480,000) project, which is aimed at identifying and creating alternative sources of employment to ensure their economic livelihood. The project, which was launched yesterday (March 31) at the Robert Lightbourne High School in Trinityville, is being funded by the European Union Banana Support Programme...

Plans are in high gear for the annual St. Mary Agricultural Expo, to be held at the Annotto Bay Sport Complex, on Easter Monday, April 13. The show will be held under the theme: 'Agriculture and Tourism - a Partnership for Progress'. Organised by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), the event will feature...

Consumers in Kingston can now access information on the market and retail prices of farm produce on the Ministry of Agriculture's website at www.moa.gov.jm. The move, by the Ministry, is to give consumers particularly in Kingston and St. Andrew an opportunity to compare prices and do more budget wise purchasing. The website listings are updated weekly and show produce being...

The St. Mary 4-H Clubs will be staging their Annual Achievement Day function, at the Oracabessa High School on Tuesday, April 7, commencing at 9:00 a.m. Most of the parish's 87 4-H Clubs are expected to participate in the day's activities, which will feature several competitive events, such as sandwich making, cake baking and decorating, agro processing, rabbit care and...

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Christopher Tufton, has warned of strong action to be taken against individuals who breach the regulations governing the importation of foods. He said that this has become necessary, because of the numerous cases of discrepancy in the importation process reported by the Customs Department. "To those who have been more 'flexible' with the rules in the...