The Government will continue to facilitate improvements and investment opportunities in the sugar industry, says Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. “Sugar cane continues to play an important role in our nation's business and we have a responsibility to ensure its sustainability. This requires increased productivity [and for] us to look towards diversification, good agricultural practices, and...

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says the conflict in Eastern Europe presents an opportunity for Jamaica to become more self-sufficient in food production. He said the effect of the conflict “means that there could be challenges but also significant opportunities for us to shift our dietary focus to more of our local products like cassava and yam”....

Small farmers from several communities in St. James have received a major boost through the donation of 20 water storage tanks from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). The 650-gallon tanks, procured through TEF’s Tourism Linkages Network (TLN) were handed over to the farmers on Friday (March 11), during a ceremony at the Barrett Town Primary School in the parish. The...

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is exploring ways to supply tilapia farmers will quality fish feed including manufacturing the produce locally. Tilapia are considered top and middle feeders, meaning that they eat food that floats on the surface of the water or at mid-level. Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, Chairman of the NFA Board, Lieutenant Commander George Overton,...

Greater take-up of tilapia farming is being encouraged as part of efforts to boost local fish production and to relieve the stress on reef fish. Chief Executive Officer at the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Dr. Gavin Bellamy, in making the call, said that improving tilapia production “will allow us to improve the blue protein, which is protein from fisheries stock.”...

Chief Executive Officer at the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Dr. Gavin Bellamy, says that the entity is committed to safeguarding the sustainability of the fisheries industry to ensure that it continues to thrive and benefit future generations. Sustainable fisheries focuses on production of fish and fish products that does not harm the marine environment or food chain, thereby safeguarding food...

The Research and Development Division in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has once again stated its commitment to expanding production to meet growing demands. Part of efforts involve continued rehabilitative work being done on research stations, with works at Bodles to wrap up later this year. Principal Research Director (Acting) for the Research and Development Division in the Ministry...