Director, Projects and Programmes, MSME Division, MICAF, Clifford Spencer (5th right) poses with participants of the recently concluded Farmer Field School training programme, which was conducted by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA). Occasion was the first Farmers’ Expo hosted by the Wilmington Community Development Committee in partnership with the Social Development Commission, St. Thomas 4-H and RADA, at the Wilmington Primary School, St. Thomas, on November 29.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, has praised the country’s farmers for their hard work and dedication, which has resulted in significant economic gains.
Representing Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, at the inaugural launch of Wilmington Farmers’ Expo on November 29, at the Wilmington Primary School, St. Thomas, Director, Projects and Programmes, MSME Division, Clifford Spencer pointed out that the achievements by the farmers have been realized despite the challenges in the sector.
He identified some of the issues facing the farmers as lack of access to crop insurance; the need for improved farm roads and cheaper cost of funding, as well as the impact of praedial larceny and of climate change.
“We recognize the value of agriculture as an enabler for rural development and an engine of growth for the overall economy and for the lives and livelihoods of Jamaicans. It has to drive the transformation of rural economies; raise farm incomes and boost productivity,” Mr. Spencer said.
He further informed that the Government is committed to providing opportunities for young people to pursue farming as a business, and in support of this mission, the Ministry has completed a draft National Youth in Agriculture Policy and implementation plan to be submitted to Cabinet shortly.
The expo, hosted by the Wilmington Community Development Committee (WCDC) in partnership with the Social Development Commission (SDC), St. Thomas 4-H and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), was held under the theme, ‘Improving Health, Creating Wealth, Transforming Community Livelihood’.
It provided an opportunity for the farmers and other entrepreneurs within the community to obtain increased sales and exposure for their goods and services; provide promotional, marketing and networking opportunities; and create synergies between communities and service providers at the local level.
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