Stakeholders in the agriculture sector are being sensitised about the possible changes that are coming to the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Produce Safety Rule, which will require them to carry out assessments to ensure that water used to grow produce is free from contaminants. The FDA is proposing a revision to Subpart E of the FDA...

The impact of the changes in the European Union (EU) sugar regime on the Monymusk community in Clarendon is explored in a book written by Registrar at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Dr. Donovan Stanberry. The book, entitled ‘How Trade Liberalization Affects a Sugar-Dependent Community in Jamaica: Global Action, Local Impact’, was launched recently at the...

The Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) has donated a mobile milking machine to the Sydney Pagon Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academy in St. Elizabeth. The equipment was handed over during a ceremony at the school on Wednesday (March 23). It is the first such device to be given to an institution on the island, and is expected to...

Morocco’s donation of 24,000 bags of fertiliser to Jamaica is an indication of the strong bilateral relationship between both countries, says Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. Addressing a virtual media briefing on March 23 where the donation was announced, Minister Charles said that the gift, worth $122 million, could not have come at a better time,...

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says youth engagement in agriculture is critical to safeguarding the country's food security and increasing growth in the sector. Addressing Thursday’s (March 17) prize-giving ceremony at Hopewell High School in Hanover, Mr. Charles Jr. said this is among the reasons school-based clubs, such as the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, are important in exposing youngsters...

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”....