JAS launches Farmers’ Month

KINGSTON — President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Glendon Harris, has praised farmers for their commitment to Jamaica's food security, in spite of the challenges they face.

"The farmers must be commended for consistently rising to the challenge of production, despite the increasing cost of input material, the vagaries of weather, praedial larceny and marketing issues, among other things," he said.

Mr. Harris was addressing Wednesday's April 6 official launch of Farmers’ Month, at the JAS headquarters, downtown Kingston.

The JAS President said it was important that the month of April is set aside to recognise Jamaica’s farmers, for their tremendous contribution to the development and growth of the society.

“Support for this sector and the farmers is therefore most critical and, as facilitators for our stakeholders, the JAS places as priority, training, group dynamics and agricultural promotions such as agricultural shows and the Eat Jamaican Campaign,” he said.

A number of activities are to take place across the island in commemoration of Farmers’ Month, including agricultural shows in St. Mary and St. James on April 25 and in Kingston and St. Andrew on May 21. The activities will culminate with a farmer’s health, wealth and wellness fair on April 30 at the Denbigh showgrounds, May Pen, Clarendon, starting at 10:00 a.m.

“We invite all farmers, householders, private and public sectors, to be a part of an informative and highly important day, where we seek to place emphasis on the health and well-being of our people,” Mr. Harris implored.

By ALECIA SMITH, JIS Reporter