Government Pursuing Organic Agriculture

The Government is pursuing the development of organic agriculture as part of the economic growth agenda.

Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda, says they are “serious about it” and “will be extending ourselves fully in that area.”

He was speaking at the official opening of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in May Pen, Clarendon, on Saturday, July 30.

In noting that organically grown produce fetched high prices, Mr. Samuda contended that “it would be in Jamaica’s best interest to go into that area.”

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) notes that organic agriculture relies on ecosystem management rather than inputs such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and genetically modified seeds and additives.

It points out that the latter inputs are replaced with site-specific practices that maintain and enhance long-term soil fertility while preventing the onset of pests and diseases.

Meanwhile, Mr. Samuda re-affirmed the Government’s commitment to the growth agenda through agriculture.

He also emphasised the importance of technology in agriculture and youth involvement in the sector.

The Minister also gave an undertaking to provide farmers with equipment that would assist in enhancing the output of their cultivations.

In his remarks, Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) President, Norman Grant, said this year’s Denbigh show is expected to be one of the most successful stagings in the event’s history.

He pointed out that more than 250 exhibitors are participating, which represented the largest number in the show’s 64 years.

Additionally, Mr. Grant said it is anticipated that the event will generate significant income for the economy.

Meanwhile, the JAS’ management is exploring the possible relocation of the entity’s offices from Kingston to the Denbigh showground as well as erecting a museum to depict Jamaica’s agricultural development.

The three-day Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show, which runs from July 30 to August 1, is being staged by the JAS under the theme: ‘Grow What We Eat…Eat What We Grow through Climate Smart Agriculture’.

Close to 100,000 local, regional and international patrons are expected to attend the premier event.