Gov’t Focused on Growing Agriculture

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, says the Government is focused on expanding the agricultural sector in order to reduce food imports and grow the economy.
“In setting our goals for growth and prosperity, we recognize that we can never really grow and be the masters of our own destiny unless we can expand on those things that we have grown locally for consumption,” Mr. Samuda said.
He was addressing the launch of the 2016 staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show held recently at Hi-Pro Supercentre, White Marl, St. Catherine.
Minister Samuda said expansion of agriculture must involve small farmers and other stakeholders at the community level.
He cited, for example, the business model utilised by Jamaica Broilers in providing meaningful opportunity for small poultry producers to earn a steady income.
Minister Samuda praised the Seprod Group for adopting the Jamaica Broilers model for the revival of the dairy industry.
“The Seprod Group has seized the moment, acquired Nestlé, and is now pursuing a strategy of expansion, where young farmers are getting a guaranteed market and price,” he pointed out.
The 2016 Denbigh show is scheduled for July 30-August 1 in May Pen, Clarendon. This year’s theme is: ‘Grow What We Eat…Eat What We Grow Through Climate Smart Agriculture’.
The annual show, organised by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), showcases achievements in agriculture and its related sectors. It attracts over 80,000 patrons each year.
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