Category Archives: News

The Government is looking to establish up to five agro-economic zones, which will provide farmers with a reliable market for their produce, and contribute to the reduction of praedial larceny. Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, said the zones will be equipped with cold storage facilities,Continue reading “Five Agro-Economic Zones to be Established”

A levy of US$0.50 has been imposed on each pound of conch exported during the 2016 conch season. This is a reduction from the US$0.75 imposed on each pound of conch exported during the 2015 season. The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, July 5, approved the Conch (Export Levy) (Rate of Levy) Order Resolution, 2016,Continue reading “Levy Reduced on Conch Exports”

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, has hailed the work being done by GraceKennedy at its agro-processing plant in Hounslow, St. Elizabeth. Following a tour of the facility recently, Mr. Hutchinson said the work being done at the factory fits well with the Ministry’s plan toContinue reading “Gracekennedy Commended for Setting up Plant in Hounslow”

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J. C. Hutchinson, is encouraging farmers to ramp up production, in order for the country to become a major supplier of agricultural products. Speaking at the opening of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Agricultural Research and Innovation facility in Elim,Continue reading “Minister Wants Jamaica to Become Major Supplier of Agricultural Products”

Nineteen-year-old Benjamin Frazer of the Ardenne High School in St. Andrew and nine-year-old Asher Harrison of Greater Portmore Primary in St. Catherine were the winners of the inaugural essay competition organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF). The students received attractive prizes at an awards ceremony held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel onContinue reading “Ardenne High and Greater Portmore Primary Students Cop Praedial Larceny Essay Competition”

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries has presented a tractor to onion farmers in Colbeck, St. Catherine which will enable them to cultivate larger pieces of land and increase their crop yields. Minister without Portfolio, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, handed over the New Holland TD 90 tractor during a ceremony in the community onContinue reading “Agriculture Ministry Gives Boost to Colbeck Farmers”

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries is putting measures in place to ensure the environmental sustainability of the Pedro Cays. The plan involves more regular clean-up and waste collection and the installation of 20 toilets to provide proper sanitary facilities for the residents. “We have started the process and we have (recently) disposedContinue reading “Agriculture Ministry Addressing Waste Management at Pedro Cays”

Farmers at the Plantain Garden River agro-park in St. Thomas who incurred losses during the recent heavy rains, are to receive assistance from the Government. They will be given herbicides and cabbage, red pepper and hot pepper seeds and seedlings. The tractor that is used for land preparation will also be repaired. The commitment wasContinue reading “Agro-park Farmers in St. Thomas to Get Help”

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, says all support to farmers will now be channelled through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), instead of through political representatives. Addressing the inaugural general meeting of the Tryall Action Group/Diaspora Benevolent Society at the Ballard’s Valley Community Church ofContinue reading “RADA to Deal With all Assistance to Farmers”

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries will be restarting its farmers’ market initiative at venues across the island, to address the glut of some produce. This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) St. Thomas Open Day, held at the RudolfContinue reading “Agriculture Ministry to Restart Farmers’ Market”