Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., is reporting that damage to the agricultural sector by flooding caused by Tropical Storm Ian is more than $200 million, and assistance will be provided to affected farmers. He said that from a preliminary report that has been compiled, it is clear that persons in the sector suffered losses, adding that...

Fire-affected farmers in Flagaman, St. Elizabeth, have received much-needed farm inputs and supplies to assist their recovery. The items, provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in collaboration with private stakeholders, include seeds, fertilisers, herbicides, guinea grass, insecticide, farming tools, black water tanks, irrigation kits and clothing. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., handed over the supplies during a...

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., is urging cattle farmers to ensure their animals are tagged under the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS). Cattle farmers can access free ear tags, provided by the Government, to be used in conjunction with a cattle passport, which will enable them to properly identify their animals if stolen. Speaking...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will be implementing strategies under the ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart’ campaign, to expand the sector’s growth and sustainability. These engagements include the ‘Planting with a Purpose’ initiative, which will see bauxite lands not intended for mining, being used for orchard crops; and the ‘Farm In Schools’ programme that aims to teach students about the...

The Government has reiterated its full commitment in ensuring that arable agricultural lands in Innswood, St. Catherine, are utilised solely for farming and production. Speaking at a post Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday (September 21), Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Information, Hon. Robert Morgan, said the Administration had taken a policy decision...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart’ Campaign aims to boost agricultural production, while increasing the supply of nutritious and affordable foods to improve the population’s health. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said the strategy will “help us to produce a healthy and constructive nation; a nation that will be able to be more productive in...

Farmers of the Needham Pen Farmers Association in St. Thomas are now more equipped to operate their farms as viable businesses, after receiving key knowledge and training in this regard. Under a partnership between the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and Commonwealth of Learning, 24 farmers successfully completed an eight-week ‘Farming as a Business’ training programme earlier this year. Twenty...