Tufton says value added prospects important in agriculture

MONTEGO BAY — Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, has underscored the value added aspect to agricultural production, noting that this now forms part of the philosophy guiding government’s decisions in building the agricultural sector.

He noted that in every country where agriculture is doing well, primary agricultural production is being used as raw material.

He was addressing the official launch of RUM FIRE, a new rum brand being produced at Hampden Estates Limited, Trelawny. The estate is now owned by Everglades Farms, through the recent sugar divestment programme.

Pointing out that the new approach to the over 300-year-old sugar industry is to promote a cane industry, which is intended to show all stakeholders the versatility of the sugar cane and the range of products that can be made from it, Dr. Tufton insisted that there must be a move away from the traditional approach.

He expressed the hope that the launch of RUM FIRE will signal to all stakeholders, that there is a new day dawning within that industry.        

“I am here to say that I am encouraged with where we are (with the sugar industry), and where I think we are going, and an occasion such as this one gives me the motivation to continue the work, because I think we are moving in the right direction,” he stated.

By Bryan Miller