Good Day.

I am very happy to join the Permanent Secretary this morning to update you on two very important matters relating to the agricultural sector, namely  the timely donation of fertilizers from the Kingdom of Morocco and the resumption of the agricultural shows.

FERTILISER DONATION FROM THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO

Ladies and gentlemen, within the context of implementing a Technical Bilateral Cooperation programme between Jamaica and The Kingdom of Morocco, I am pleased to indicate that the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation has donated a further 1,200 metric tonnes of fertilizers, equating to 48 containers or 24,000 bags and valued at approximately US$787,579 or JMD$122.074 million to boost local agricultural productivity. The fertilizers donated were based on our own assessment of crop and soil fertility needs and the blends include:

This donation forms part of a larger technical assistance programme that will examine Jamaica’s soil fertility in order to address some underlying issues within the farming sector and provide technical training in soil fertility analysis for some of our technical staff.

This is indeed a very timely gift as we emerge from the pandemic and seek to ensure our own food security, especially during this highly charged atmosphere of global conflict.

Our farmers have been placed at a serious disadvantage given the increases globally for agricultural inputs and as such this donation forms part of a broader response to the current inflationary pressures facing, not only farmers, but all participants along the value chain.

During my budget presentation, a more detailed plan of action will be delivered regarding agricultural inputs in terms of our response to our farmers during these difficult times as the sector rebounds from COVID-19. 

It is important to note that as a Ministry we are well aware of the potential impact this could have on our local fertiliser supplies, and so we are in dialogue with our partners to ensure minimal market dislocation during the distribution process that will be managed by RADA and the JAS.

The arrival of this donation is very timely and well received by the farming community and is seen as being complementary to our efforts, collectively, to provide support to the sector.

On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I express sincere thanks to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Morocco.

RESUMPTION OF AGRICULTURAL SHOWS

The global spread of the COVID-19 virus has been the most menacing global health emergency in decades, resulting in several countries completely closing their borders to slow its spread. Correspondingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of several agricultural shows for the last two years (2020 and 2021).

The pandemic has impacted the earnings of the agricultural sector at an estimated value of $2 billion. Coupled with this are significant revenue losses for the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) and its parish associations that depend heavily on these earnings to carry out their mandate for the development of the sector.

The Jamaica Agricultural Society and its parish associations host several agricultural shows annually, to include, but not limited to, the following:

1. Montpelier Agricultural and Industrial Show
2. St. Mary Agri-Expo
3. Kingston and St. Andrew Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show ‘Agrofest’ and
4. Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show

These shows are large events attracting not only local patrons, but in some cases overseas interests; with the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show alone attracting over 80,000 patrons annually.

The agricultural shows give farmers an opportunity to showcase their produce and achievements during the period to potential investors and customers. It also provides a platform for agricultural, financial and industrial organizations to display their products and services to the farming community. Additionally, it allows for the exchange of information among the agricultural stakeholders by highlighting innovative and new farming equipment and technology.

Given the recent announcement by the Prime Minister to bring to a close the enforcement of the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA), the way has now been paved for us to resume our beloved agricultural shows during this our 60^th year of independence.  These shows provide an opportunity to promote the hard work of our farmers, showcasing the best in agriculture.

Some of the major agricultural shows scheduled for the remainder of the year are:

1. Montpelier Agricultural and Industrial Show

The Montpelier Agricultural and Industrial Show will be held on Easter Monday, April 18, 2022 at the Montpelier Showground in St. James. The show will promote the hard work of our farmers in the western region by showcasing the top JAS branches from the parishes of St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland, Manchester, Trelawny and St. Elizabeth.

2. St. Mary Agri-Expo

The St. Mary Agri-Expo will also be held on Easter Monday at the Gray's Inn Sports Complex and will feature the best in agriculture, agro-processing, horticultural exhibits, livestock production, the Youth in Agriculture competition and the champion farmer competition.

3. Kingston and St. Andrew Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show ‘Agrofest’

The Kingston and St. Andrew Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show (‘Agrofest’) honours, supports and salutes farmers and customers in the parish for their invaluable contribution to the development of the local economy, while encouraging more young people to choose agriculture as a career option. Agrofest is slated to be held during the Labour Day Weekend.

4. Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show

The Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show, which is the oldest, largest and most dynamic agricultural show existing in the English-speaking Caribbean since 1952, will be held at the Denbigh Showground in May Pen, Clarendon, under the long-standing theme ‘Grow What We Eat…Eat What We Grow’. The Denbigh Show is scheduled for the Emancipation weekend, July 30-August 1, with three (3) days of activities.

Preparatory work has started in earnest for these shows to ensure that patrons and vendors are treated to the best of what our local agricultural sector has to offer.

In closing, I urge the Ministry, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority and the JAS to work closely with our private sector partners and sponsors to ensure that Denbigh 68 is a success.

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