FAO and Jamaica exploring further collaboration in agriculture

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, has signalled his commitment to explore further cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in particular, assistance with the country’s fruit tree planting programme and small Drip Irrigation System for small farmers.

The Minister exchanged ideas on these matters with the interim FAO Representative in Jamaica, The Bahamas and Belize, Juan Cheaz Pelaez during a courtesy call at his Ministry’s New Kingston Offices on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.

In welcoming Mr. Pelaez, Mr. Shaw noted that the Governments and people of Jamaica, The Bahamas and Belize have enjoyed meaningful partnerships with the FAO and have collaborated on several interventions in line with FAO’s strategic objectives.

In addition to the tree planting programme and drip irrigation for small farmers, the minister and Mr. Pelaez also exchanged thoughts and ideas on a number of other agriculture-related issues, including climate change, capacity building, project formulation, as well as the fishing industry.

For his part, Mr. Pelaez said that he was looking forward to working with the Ministry and, in particular, the Government and people of Jamaica.

“I am really looking forward to working with you and to better understand the best ways of working that could lead to a renewed and strengthened working relationship with your Government to address the key priorities. I am interested in discussing what has worked well and what needs to be improved, so that as FAO we can ensure we add growing value to the social, economic and policy development agenda of Jamaica,” Mr. Pelaez said.

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