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VOL. 23 NO. 10 OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012

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FARM TOUR Banana Boards general manager Janet Conie (l) talks to State Minister for Agriculture Ian Hayles (2nd l) about the damage done to farms in St Mary as a result of Hurricane Sandy on October 24. The State Minister was on a tour of several farming communities in St. Mary that were affected by the hurricane. Also in photo (l-r) member of parliament, Morais Guy, RADAs principal director, Winston Clarke, banana farmer, Bob Miller, permanent secetaty, Agriculture Ministry, Donovann Stanberry and chairman of the All-Island Banana Growers Association, Gretel Sessing. -Photo: Hartnell Campbell/campbellh@rada.gov.jm

Farmers Sustain $1.43 b in losses

BY PATRICK MAITLAND EDITOR-THE AGRICULTURALUST

reliminary data from the Bank of Jamaica indicate that domestic crop production contracted by 0.4 per cent during the July to September quarter. This was down from the average quarterly expansion of 10.3 per cent in the first half of the year. The decline in production is attributed to mild drought conditions before and during the review quarter. According to the Central Bank, contraction in export agriculture reflected declines of 100 per cent, 3.7 per cent and 93.6 per cent in sugar cane milled, coffee and citrus, respectively. The fallout in cane milled reflected the earlier conclusion of the crop year relative to the corresponding period in 2011. Lower coffee and citrus production was attributed to reduced demand from Japan and the long lasting impact of the greening disease.

Domestic Crop Production Down

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ome 37,000 farmers across the island have been affected by Hurricane Sandy, with some 1,500 hectares of crops destroyed and total estimated damage put at $1.43 billion according to data released by Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Our agricultural sector has been hit hard. Many farmers suffered damage to cash crops including banana, plantain, root and tubers, vegetables, condiments and fruits.

The passage of the hurricane affected some 37,000 farmers including 3,600 farmers reported damage to livestock totalling $95 Million; approximately 20% of the unreaped Blue Mountain coffee berries estimated at 31,600 boxes with a value of $101 Million dollars. 12% of the remaining crop of our High Mountain Coffee has also been lost, an estimated 4,522 boxes valued at $9 Million. Aquaculture industry sustained damage estimated to the tune of $91M. Irrigation infrastructure was also significantly impacted at a cost of $62M. Continued on page 3

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2 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012

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urricane Sandy was among the most destructive natural disasters that battered Jamaican farmers in last ten years. The Agriculture Ministry has estimated the damage done to crops and livestock at almost $1.5 billion. However, if we consider other personal properties including houses, equipment and lost of income, the real lost sustained by farmers could be well over $4 billion. During the regular two or three-year cycle, Jamaica and its Caribbean neighbours always encounter the severe destructive forces of hurricanes and in recent times earthquakes. These natural disasters will always be with us and according to meteorologists, we are now experiencing more frequent and devastating hurricanes and earthquakes. As in the cases of AIDS, cancer and other life threatening diseases, we cannot prevent or get rid of natural disasters. But, with medication and treatments, we learn to live with those diseases.

EDITORIAL Enough of the talking and promises - farmers need coverage!

Therefore, we have no alternative, Jamaican farmers must implement strategies to protect lives, properties and limit the financial impact of catastrophic hurricanes and earthquakes. After 50 years of political independence and self-government, Jamaica is still without a comprehensive or workable insurance coverage for its farmers. Several farm insurance studies have been conducted and strategies put forward including the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility - a risk pooling facility, owned, operated and registered in the Caribbean for Caribbean governments. CCRIF may represent a paradigm shift in the way governments treat risk, with Caribbean governments leading the way in pre-disaster planning, but the focus and scope are too wide to provide any meaningful help to our farmers. With about 75 per cent of the island's 220,000 farmers operate on a hectare or less of land its always challenging to provide

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012 THE AGRICULTURALIST 3

Focal Point
Publisher -The Agriculturalist editor@theagriculturalist.com

by PATRICK MAITLAND

The opinions expressed in this newspaper, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Agriculturalist and its publishers. Please send your comments or suggestions to editor@theagriculturalist.com. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all articles will be published.

he rate at which we consume water has grown twice as fast as the world population over the past century, with many countries now suffering from water scarcity. Approximately 90% of the water gathered through irrigation and rainfall is used to produce food. To keep pace with population growth and dietary changes, the amount of water used by agriculture will have to double by 2050 unless we change our patterns of production and consumption. At the Brussels Development Briefing on The Water We Eat 1, experts highlighted the measures required if future generations are to make sustainable use of the worlds finite supply of water. Policy-makers worldwide should pay greater attention to the agricultural use of water. ACP countries should introduce initiatives to help farmers improve their productivity per unit of water consumed. There should be a strong emphasis on small-scale, low-cost methods of improving rain-fed farming. Steps should be taken to improve access to water, especially for women and the rural poor in ACP countries. There is an urgent need for better water governance, both within and between countries. Approximately 1.2 billion people 17% of the worlds population live in regions where water use has reached or exceeded sustainable limits. Even greater numbers, 1.6 billion people, suffer from economic scarcity: they lack access to adequate supplies of water. Economic water scarcity is the reality for a significant proportion of farming families in ACP countries, and one of the factors responsible for low productivity and widespread poverty. It is not just the increase in population that is fuelling the rising demand for water Changing dietary patterns and growing affluence in the developing world are closely

The water we eat tackling scarcity in ACP countries

associated with an increase in meat consumption. A diet high in grain-fed meat requires approximately 5000 litres of water per day, compared to 2500 litres for a vegetarian diet. Other factors affecting water availability and demand include climate change and urbanisation. Four-fifths of nations are net importers of food. This means they are also net importers of virtual water. This describes the water which is used to grow crops and rear livestock in the countries of origin. Trade has therefore enabled countries which lack sufficient water to become foodsecure by importing food from elsewhere. This is the good news. However, there is a downside to this trade: subsidised crops grown and exported by European and US farmers depress world market prices, making life more difficult for ACP farmers. Massive public investment in irrigation during the latter half of the 20th century, especially in Asia, did much to raise crop yields and tackle hunger. Globally, most of cultivated land is under irrigation in sub-Saharan Africa, compared to 50% in India 4%.

OPINIONS OPINIONS

coverage for farmers. A few years ago a prefeasibility study commissioned by the government and conducted by the CGM Gallagher observed that small-farming practices could pose a problematic application of the insurance policy, noting that it would be better applied to large farmers and commercial producers who mono-crop. The study also questioned the ability of the Jamaica Meteorological Service (JMS) to provide quality and timely data, especially for extreme weather condition. The study outlines the need for the agency to improve

on the weaknesses before it can implement a parametric policy. Despite the many studies and the problems or issues identified, Jamaican farmers are still without any significant insurance coverage. Jamaicas situation is not unique. We are smart and resourceful enough to develop solutions to meet our needs. Enough of the talking and promises, our policy makers, farm leaders as well as ordinary farmers should implement strategies to protect our farmers lives, farms and limit the financial impact of natural disasters.

Facing Reality Water is grossly undervalued. In the developed world, a cubic metre of high-quality drinking water is often worth no more than the price of a cigarette, and in many countries farmers consider it a free resource. More could be done to publicise the true costs of food production by using the concepts of virtual water and water footprints to draw attention to its agricultural use. The facts are frequently startling. It requires 140 litres of water to make a cup of coffee; 1000 litres to produce a litre of milk; and 2700 litres to manufacture a cotton Tshirt.

Targeting low-yield farmers According to the report by IWMI on the Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture, 75% of the additional food we need over the next decades could be met by increasing the production of the worlds low-yield farmers to 80% of the levels high-yield farmers currently achieved on similar land. In sub-Saharan Africa, policymakers should focus their attention on improving and unregulated initiatives are playing an increasingly important role. Africa, helping families to boost incomes by growing cash crops during the dry season. Policymakers and donors should support these relatively inexpensive ventures, while allowing farmers to determine which systemsbuckets, watering cans, electric pumps, small dams they adopt. Water storage by small reservoirs, in groundwater, in soils or wetlands is essential to reduce the risks associated with short-term dry spells. Water scarcity may be a global

In ACP countries, the agricultural use of water receives too little attention, considering its importance to rural communities. This has to change. Policymakers should recognise that better management of inputs, and especially improved water management, could significantly increase crop and livestock productivity.

issue, but the solutions must be determined locally, with farmers helping to shape policy. The policies described above could pave the way for more efficient and productive use of scarce water resources. Creating greater awareness about the ways we use and abuse water will help to inform the choices made by governments, the private sector, farmers and consumers. In ACP countries, support for small-scale, low-cost water storage and irrigation schemes will significantly increase crop yields and deliver more food per unit of water. To avoid the environmental damage frequently associated with irrigated farming in Asia and the developed world, good water stewardship should be at the heart of new irrigation initiatives in ACP countries. Source: www.cta.int

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4 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012

he All Island Banana Growers Associations Ltd. (AIBGA) invites farmers and the public to the following upcoming events: Farmers Expo and Training on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at the Trinity Boxing Plant in St. Mary commencing at 10:00 a.m. Farmers Expo and Training on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at the Fellowship Farm Store in Portland commencing at 10:00 a.m. Contact 922-5497/967-3160.

AIBGA to stage Farmers Events

NEWS

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Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Roger Clarke, has outlined details of a J$100M loan programme to assist banana farmers whose fields were devastated by the recent passage of Hurricane Sandy. Banana farmers in the Eastern parishes of St. Mary, Portland and St. Thomas are now receiving input supplies from the Ministry. According to Minister Clarke $7m from the Catastrophe Fund has been paid out to he affected farmers. Notifications of payments started with farmers in St. Mary recently and followed by the parishes of Portland and St. Thomas, with claims made by banana farmers in Western Jamaica to be honoured immediately thereafter he said. Registered banana farmers particularly those suppliers to the chip market are also set to benefit from a 3-year 5percent $100m banana resuscitation loan programme.

Banana Farmers Get Assistance

Continued from page 1 The crop loss sustained by the cocoa industry was previously reported as 21,500 boxes but the most recent assessment reports damage of 24,500 boxes. Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said Government will assist with the resuscitation of the banana industry, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries with a $100M loan package from the Peoples Cooperative Banks which will be available to farmers at an interest rate of 5%. Additionally, the People's Cooperative Banks have agreed to reduce their one-off fees on loans from 3% to 1.5% to assist the industry at this time. The Government recognises that some of the smaller banana farmers may not be able to access these loan funds. The Ministry has negotiated with the European Union to allocate $13M from the EU Banana Support Programme to assist small farmers with fertilizer and insecticide. Some 3,888 bags of fertilizer and 39 kg of insecticide will be distributed in the worst affected areas this week. Banana farmers who suffered losses above 50% of production and who are subscribers to the Catastrophe Fund will be receiving their pay-out shortly. In order to assist with the restoration of cash crop production in the worse affected

Farmers Sustain $1.43 b in losses

Chairman of the All-Island Banana Growers Association Ltd (AIBGA), Gretel Sessing and Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries, Roger Clarke signs Memorandum of Understanding to increase local banana production and to cut banana chips imports by up to 25 percent. Both were present at a press conference hosted by the Ministry to unveil a $100m banana resuscitation package for farmers affected by Hurricane Sandy.

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parishes, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, through RADA, will provide the following materials and services to farmers: vegetable seeds valued at $13.2 Million dollars for 6,000 farmers; 18,666 bags of fertilizer valued at $30.3 Million; day old chicks and animal feed valued at $4 Million dollars to 400 farmers; and tractor services by RADA to assist 750 farmers with land preparation. Tools for pruning will be provided to affected cocoa farmers including chain saws, guide bars, cutlass files and cutlasses valued at $500,000. Cocoa farmers will also receive some 9,006 bags of fertiliser valued at $14.5 Million. Over 22,222 bags of fertilizer of different blends valued at $40M will be distributed to affected coffee farmers. $20 Million dollars in grants will be made available for the provision of critical equipment to both our marine fishers and affected persons in the aquaculture industry. We are doing all that we can to restore our agricultural sector to full production as soon as possible, utilising available resources, Simpson Miller noted. Repairs to the irrigation system are being made through the re-allocation of budgetary resources in the National Irrigation Commissions budget.

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he Jamaica Producers Group (JP) is considering new locations for banana production after Hurricane Sandy destroyed its farms in the eastern end of the island last month. The company in its audited results released Monday, said it has made the decision to resuscitate the farms and investigate other production locations in Jamaica.

Jamaica Producers consider new banana locations

NEWS
Fresh Producer exporters Cry Foul

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012 THE AGRICULTURALIST 5

Ninety per cent of Jamaica Producer's banana crop was destroyed when the Category One storm hit the island on October 24. The company says in order to maintain its market position it has organised to substitute its production of tropical snacks in Jamaica with comparable snacks produced at its facility in the Dominican Republic.

Jamaicas top fresh produce exporter Rita Syme-Hylton speaks recently about the plight of exporters arising from Jamaica Custom Officers search for contraband at the ports, which exporters say is costing them millions of dollars in losses. Also in photo Hernal Hamilton, former secretary of the Jamaica Exporters Association.

Banana plants distroyed by Hurricane Sandy

amaica Producers, is reporting reduced profits for the 39-week period ended last September. Net profit attributable to JP shareholders, totalled J$127 million, compared with J$1.2 billion dollars

Reduced profits for Jamaica Producers

he estimate of the damage done to the Portland-based College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) following Hurricane Sandy has now reached over $75 million. This is up from the earlier figure of J$50 million. The college reported extensive structural damage to buildings on the animal science tutorial farm, the east campus library and dominatories.

Hurricane damage to CASE now at $75m

for the similar period in 2011. However, it must be noted that income, during 2011, was boosted by a J$billion plus gain, on the disposal of long-term portfolio investments.

There was also damage to the institutions greenhouse farms and hydroponics systems. The Japanese government has offered to assist in repairing the damage. CASE, a multi-disciplinary institution, is committed to providing education and training of the highest quality in agriculture, science and teacher education to men and women in Jamaica, and other Caribbean countries, through teaching, research and outreach.

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6 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012

everend Joslyn Williams, JP guidance counsellor at College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) was on Saturday (November 17) consecrated as Bishop at a service held at the Emmanuel Apostolic United Church of Christ International (EAC), 12 Slipe Rd Kingston 5. Bishop Williams is a member of the pioneer bach of the College of Agriculture (COA) now a part of CASE. He served as the pastor of the local church at Snow Hill, Portland and district overseer for the EAC churches in Portland and St. Mary and as well as the general secretary of the EAC International. Over the past thirty years he contributed to the agricultural sec-

Joslyn Williams Consecrated as Bishop

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KINGSTON: he Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, is saddened by the passing of Alexander C. McDonald, former Chairman of the All Island Jamaica Cane Farmers Association, and a former Director at the Ministry. McDonald, who was 86 years old died at the Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston recently. A former Director of Research in the Ministry of Agriculture, he was responsible for guiding the development of improved technologies and methodologies and of new crop cultivars that have enabled farmers to increase their production and therefore their income. He was an outstanding agricultural extension officer and a graduate of the former Jamaica School of Agriculture. He also worked as branch organiser with the the Jamaica Agricultural Society and the Ministry of Agriculture. When he retired from the Ministry in the 1990s he had also served as director of training, deputy executive director of RADA and dean of the College of Agriculture. His contribution also spanned working as a policy maker at the level of Special Advisor on Agriculture to Prime Minister Michael Manley during the 1970s. McDonald also worked with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) primarily on cassava.

Agriculturalist AC McDonald Dies

tor working with the Ministry of Agriculture in Portland, Blue Mountain Coffee Co-op, Jamaica Producers Group, Banana Export Company and as part-time lecturer in the faculty of agriculture, CASE. Bishop Williams also served on many civic committees in Portland including chairmen of school boards, and as a Lay Magistrate at the Port Antonio RM Court.

Rev Joslyn Williams

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Roger Clarke (2nd l) cuts ribbons to mark the official handing over of 1,000 bags of fertilizer to benefit hurricane-affected farmers at the Newport Fersan (Jamaica) Limited Wherry Wharf complex in Kingston recently. Also in photo managing mirector, Newport Fersan, Dennis Valdez (3r l) and Ministry of Agricultures permanant secretary, Donovan Stanberry. In expressing gratitude, Clarke said: It will go a far way in helping the farmers get back on their feet. He informed that distribution will commence shortly, adding that the Government is committed to assisting the farmers, who sustained significant damage during the passage of the hurricane on October 24. The donation is expected to benefit farmers in various industries including, banana, cocoa, coconut, coffee, and cash crops. Focus will be placed on the worst affected parishes of St. Thomas, Portland, St. Mary, St. Andrew, parts of Clarendon, St. Catherine and St. Ann. The Minister commended Newport Fersan for partnering with the government in providing quality products to the industry, stating that this will facilitate growth and the rebuilding of the sector.

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Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Roger Clarke in paying tribute to McDonald said the agricultural sector has lost one of its stalwarts. He was a man of impeccable character who had a deep love for agriculture. The agricultural sector has lost a giant whose work on cassava at IICA is a defining career legacy Minister Clarke said. McDonald served as chairman of the All Island Jamaica Cane Farmers Association from 2003 to 2004, but prior to this period was a member of the committee of management for a number of years. He was also a sugar cane farmer in Clarendon. He is survived by his wife and four children. The Ministry conveys heartfelt condolences to his family during this most difficult period of bereavement.

Alexander C. McDonald

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he College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) is nestled on a 254-hectare campus caressed by the lush green hillsides and pristine coastline of the parish of Portland in eastern Jamaica. CASE is a multi-disciplinary institution offering training in education, agriculture, management sciences and natural sciences to young men and women in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Imbued with the caring and dedication of its predecessors, the Government Farm School, the Jamaica School of Agriculture; and later the College of Agriculture and the Passley Gardens Teachers College, CASE hopes to train a new generation of Jamaicans, dedicated to a healthy, prosperous and productive Jamaica. The college has its roots in the Government Farm School in Kingston, which started in 1910 at Hope on the site, which currently houses the University of Technology. At its inception, the schools aim was to train approximately 12 young men enrolled at the time in the art and science of agriculture. In its first decade, the school produced the likes of Dr. T. P. Lecky, the late Jamaican Animal Scientist who developed the Jamaica Hope and Jamaica Black breeds of cattle. The Jamaica Hope was named after the site of the Agricultural School and Gov- DR ASTON WOODS SCHOLARSHIP: ernment Research Station. Three top agricultural studies students of the College of Agriculture, Science and Jamaica School of Agriculture: 1942- Education were awarded prestigious American scholarship by the Ole Farmers 1981. In 1942, the Farm School was re- Association of North America (OFANA). In photo final year agriculture Maurice named Jamaica School of Agriculture (JSA) Thomas (r) accepts the Dr Aston Woods Scholarship award from OFANAs presiand in 1957 relocated to Twickenham Park, dent Wendell Codner (r) and Andrea Woods, daughter of the late Dr. Woods. Spanish Town, the old capital of Jamaica. In College of Agriculture: 1981-1995: The 1968, more than a half-century after the of CASE is female. An Act to repeal the JSA Act, tabled in Parliament in 1981, saw the College of Agriculture, located in Passley school opened its doors, the first female closure of the Jamaica School of Agricul- Gardens, Portland was established as a rebatch of students was admitted. Today, more than half the student population ture, and preparation for the birth of a new placement institution for the JSA. institution.

CASE-a multi-disciplinary institution

College of Agriculture, Science and Education- Graduation Feature 2012
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012

THE AGRICULTURALIST 7

The College of Agriculture Scheme Order of 1981 gave birth to the new College of Agriculture. The institution was mandated to carry out teaching, research, and extension programmes in agriculture. Passley Gardens Teachers College: 1981 1995: The Passley Gardens Teachers College (PGTC) was established in 1981 to offer Teacher Training to individuals in Portland and its environs. The College initially offered the Joint Board of Teacher Education (JBTE) Diploma in Primary Education and later in 1994 the Diploma in Secondary Education with special emphasis on Science, Mathematics and Computer Studies. 1984 saw the College graduating its first cohort of students. The College subsequently went on to deliver the Post Certificate Programme to then certified teachers who desired to upgrade their qualification to the Diploma in Education. The Early Childhood Education Programme which targeted individuals employed in Infant Schools was offered at the College as well. CASE: 1995-Present: In 1995, based on a recommendation of the Sherlock Report, the COA was merged with the PGTC into one institution: the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE). With both institutions sharing the same location, the opportunity offered an ideal partnership for an institution aiming to offer the best education to its students.

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8 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012

Some milestones and significant achievements include. August 1997: ASc in Natural Science programme launched March 2000: The UWI and UTech approved the ASc in Natural Science for Articulation of graduates into their related Bachelors Degree programmes August 2000: Community College Programmes officially launched February 2001: NCU approved the ASc in Natural Science for Articulation of graduates into their related Bachelors Degree programmes. August 2001: Bachelor of Technology programmes launched. September 2002: CASE wins Life Insurance Companies Associations Vivian Rochester Memorial Mathematics Competition, in the College category. January 2002: CASE acquired a 100-acre commercial farm at Spring Gardens, Buff Bay, Portland November 2002: Hopeton Fraser Well was commissioned and named in honor of the then President Among tertiary educational institutions in Jamaica, CASE is distinctly unique: it is the only tertiary institution dedicated to the training of students in the art and science of agriculture and allied disciplines. This represents CASEs niche the space to develop truly creative and innovative academic programmes that are aligned with its mandate, human and physical resource capabilities, and national imperatives. The College is located 1.5 Km west of Port Antonio, the capital of Portland Jamaicas most beautiful parish.

CASE Achievements

College of Agriculture, Science and Education - Graduation Feature 2012

By Ronald Thwaites Minister of Education t is indeed a pleasure for me to offer congratulations to this years graduating class of the College of Agriculture, Science and Education. You are now part of the distinguished cadre of graduates who have embraced and enriched the programmes offered by the CASE for the past 17 years. The diversity of experience and qualities that you brought to the programmes as students, have helped to shape and keep relevant the curriculum for future cohorts. The sacrifices emotional, physical and financial that you made in pursuit of this

A Distinguished Cadre of Graduates

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signal accomplishment have been significant. But no doubt they have contributed to your sense of character, which is as

portable as the college certification itself. Our society is marred by leadership of those who are only too willing to take the easy road to attain selfish and narrow ends. It is my hope that as citizens and leaders you will draw on your character, talent, academic and practical training to chart a more just and equitable society for all citizens. I am very proud of the achievements of this college and all of its graduates. I implore you to continue to strive for excellence as this will ensure that the positive and sustained growth of this noble, multi disciplinary institution be secured for our beloved country. May every success be yours for the future. God Bless You.

CASE students showoff livestock equipment at Denbigh

A CASE instructor demonstrates the honey extactor to a farmer

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Responsibility with Humility, Discipline and Positive Attitude!

By Mary A. Nichols CASE, President (acting)

College of Agriculture, Science and Education- Graduation Feature 2012

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012 THE AGRICULTURALIST 9

t seems as though it were yesterday that you entered this noble institution as an aspirant for a career or for higher academic advancement. At times the journey to your destination appeared arduous and unattainable but you persevered! Time has rolled around so quickly and here we are taking delight to celebrate your achievement of reaching yet another milestone on your lifes journey your graduation. As we join you in looking back to move forward, I want you to place the word transformation into sharp focus. I know you are familiar with the adage, the only thing that is constant is change. And, as you step out into the world today, be cognizant that you will constantly have to be redefining yourself to be a relevant competitor to survive in this fast shifting global paradigm. This therefore means that you will have to become a possibility thinker; never see challenges but rather opportunities and where there is a lack of resources you will have to tap into your resourcefulness. You have been trained and equipped with the knowledge to go forth and make your contribution to your chosen industry, industries in which you are being looked upon for leadership. Dont be daunted; take on the responsibility with humility, discipline and a positive attitude. You are graduating at a very pivotal time in Jamaicas history. It is the countrys Golden Jubilee

year. This is the year in which the stage is being set for the nation to achieve first world status within two decades of the next 50 years. With this much is expected of you. Therefore, ask not what your country will do for you but rather, what will be your contribution to a nation on such mission? Will you be able to boldly say, We are on it! We are living in a world where human, financial and other material resources are constantly dwindling and astute management is critical. Often times people become casualties of right-

(l) and JAS president, Norman Grant at the launch of Denbigh 2012 in St Catherine.

CASE president, Mary A. Nichols (r) raps with CASE vice-president, John Lamey

sizing or downsizing practices of the shifting paradigm. Stay hungry for knowledge and seek training to be globally competitive. This, your graduation is merely the beginning of an end not a destination. Remember, success is never final. You have been given a solid footing here at CASE, your lecturers are proud of you. Step out with Gods guidance and you shall always walk the glory road. Congratulations and I bless you with my best wishes for your future.

istinguished College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) graduate and Minister of Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries and Rural Development in St. Lucia, Moses Jn Baptiste will be the keynote speaker at the CASE 2012 graduation ceremony on November 29.

St. Lucia Minister to speak at CASE 2012 Graduation

Moses Jn Baptiste

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10 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012

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Derrick Heaven Chairs CASE Board V

WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM eteran agriculturalist and executive chairman of the Sugar Industry Authority Ambassador Derrick Heaven was recently appointed chairman of the board of management for the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE). Other members of the board include former Memeber of Parliament, East Portland, Donald Rhodd, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Donovan Stanberry and former president, CASE, Victor Watt. CASE president, Mary Nichols, Calvin Weise, Veronica Palmer, Fazel Huie, Elon Beckford, Blossom Omeally Nelson, John Gayle, Hansel Beckford and Sylvia Mitchell complete the board. We need to be very clear on the training we impart and to that end ensure it fits in with national priorities; academic pursuits and extension work. I am going to be relying very heavily on this faculty to establish a level of self reliance where it can be attained and ensure that the students who are in your charge leave this institution much more rounded and capable of demonstrating their knowledge in a practical way, Ambassador Heaven said during a recent tour of the College. He urged the faculty members to seriously redesign the curriculum to focus more on the entrepreneur side of agriculture. You need to train students to be businessmen agriculture is a business. This has to be an integral part of the training. They need to

College of Agriculture, Science and Education - Graduation Feature 2012

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012 THE AGRICULTURALIST 11

Look Out For

understand what is happening in the market place. He further lamented the act of praedial larceny as the crippling deterrent to agricultural production in the country and at the same time pointed out agriculture as one of the most promising areas of growth. The major deterrent to agriculture is not investment capital and I have been trying to get this across. This institution has an important role to play in ensuring that this area of activity receives the prominence it deserves and is able to deliver. The latest statistic from the PIOJ shows that agriculture is the sector which shows the most growth over the past few months, Ambassador Heaven explained.

Ambassador Derrick Heaven Chair, CASE Board of Management

2013
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12 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012

By Jewel Brathwaite onetheless, the Caribbean, the other party to that trade row is not likely to forget the intrigue and the economic impact experienced from that issue. This is so even as this region looks to forge closer ties with some of the very Latin American states that were the ring leaders in that dispute with Europe. Last week the international media reported that the dispute which surfaced in 1991 has been brought to a close following an agreement by the protagonists. Under their pact, the EU has pledged to lower tariffs on bananas imported from the Latin American producers, from Bds$448 (176 euros) a metric tonne to Bds$290 a metric tonne over the course of eight years. The11 Latin American countries signing the accord are Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela. A BBC report said that Latin American banana exporters had long protested Europes tariffs designed to protect small growers in the Caribbean and in Africa. The dispute, according to a Newsweek commentary, started when the EU expanded a protectionist policy that favoured the Caribbean producers. The new regulations imposed licensing restrictions and other measures on Latin American bananas typically grown by three major fruit companies Dole, Delmonte and Chiquita. It is noteworthy that together they had controlled about 75 per cent of the world market for the fruit, compared to about three per cent for the Caribbean growers. The funny thing about this was that the Caribbean produced better quality bananas, even if the price was higher than the competing fruits grown in Latin America. So there was nothing wrong in paying a higher price for a premium product. EU preferences helped the regional growers to keep at least eight per cent of the market in Europe.

TRADE & MARKET NEWS Bitter banana trade war brought to an end
The US based Chiquita brands protested the EU action and subsequently lobbied the American government to take the matter before the WTO. The WTO had declared most of the banana regime illegal. The WTO had begun in earnest less than 10 years after its establishment following the Uruguay trade round in 1994-1995, to flex its muscle on unfair trade practices. Trade preferences which was the basis of the relationship especially between the EU and the Caribbean (and Africa and the Pacific) fitted the bill of unfair trade and therefore had to be phased out. Many felt that the Caribbean had been protected for too long and with a changing world at the start of the 1990s once the cold war had come to an end, this region had to wake up to the reality of competition, open market and liberalisation. The days of protectionism were coming to an end as well. Trade offers a country an opportunity for economic growth, development, and the transfer of technology. Protectionism which includes tariffs, and non-tariff barriers trade preferences, licenses, quotas, rules of origin, export subsidies, sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures, standards, foreign exchange rationing, etc etc tend to hinder free and fair trade. However, the same WTO and the powers that dominate it would do well to look at itself and see where it continues to fall down. To put it mildly the playing field has not been levelled. Some countries just do as they like while preaching for smaller states to adhere to the rules. The current case involving rum, the failure to reach a conclusion at Doha since 2001 because key players are not going to end support to industries, and increasing evidence of protectionism raise questions as to just how effective the WTO has been in insisting that the rules be followed. With the EU banana regime found to be against the tenets of free trade, Caribbean producers have been hit hard and will continue to feel the effects of the latest initiatives that settled the dispute. They have lost vital earnings from declining banana exports. This has not only had a negative impact on their economies, but many producers have opted to leave the industry. It did not go down well with some including the former Secretary General of CARICOM Dr. Edwin Carrington. He could not

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understand why the Latin American countries which were pushing for closer relations with the Caribbean mounted along with the fruit companies the type of campaign they did when they were already hogging the market for bananas. In assessing the way forward the Caribbean must where necessary do the economic reforms that have become necessary.

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JAS EAT JAMAICAN DAY CELEBRATION Jamaica can slash Measures to Increase Local Production! tion; the success stories, he Jamaica AgriFood Imports by as well as the struggle for Tcultural Society survival. will be celebrating US$300 M per year to lift the morale of the 9th anniversary
of its Eat Jamaican Day by giving thanks to God for the gifts of the land, our people/farmers, food and By: Norman Grant, for his mercies exPresident, JAS tended through the passage of Hurricane Sandy. This will be done through the Eat Jamaican Ecumenical Service on Sunday, (November 25) at the New Testament Church of God, May Pen, Clarendon commencing at 8:00 am and followed by a brief exhibition of our Jamaican cuisine culture. The objectives of the Eat Jamaican Campaign and this years anniversary include: to demonstrate Jamaica as an agricultural country and our richest heritage comes from rural farming communities; to remind those who have forgotten and inform those who are too young to know of the dimensions of Jamaicas farming sector, the colourful threads of this broad fabric from the small subsistent farmer to the large farming operations; the economic importance in terms of jobs and income generaour farmers and their communities, stimulate their appetite for production, while, at the same time, attracting new and young farmers to the sector. In this process the JAS itself should be repositioned as the viable and relevant farmers organization adding value to its membership by helping to create an atmosphere where wealth can be generated for all through influencing policies that will benefit the sector. This years anniversary also brings into sharpe focus the Jamaica import bill for agricultural produce is approximately US$1 billions and with a reduction in the levels of the countrys Net International Revenues (NIR), we must take drastic measures to increase local production and increase local consumption of agricultural food and increase exports. We therefore call on all Jamaicans, the hotel industry, restaurants, churches and homes across the country to eat Jamaican grown or produced food.

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OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012 THE AGRICULTURALIST 13

inister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Roger Clarke is appealing to farmers to step up production levels and for consumers to consume more local produce to cut the food import bill, which is running at approximately US$930 million per annum. He noted that while all food needs cannot be adequately met at current levels of production, studies have shown that there is the capability to substitute up to 30 per cent of food imports. We can make a

dent on that (food import bill) and we can save up to US$300 million if we produce more of the things that we use locally, Minister Clarke said recently. If we want agriculture to grow, we have to do two things; we must produce more of what we eat and export more, he added.

Roger Clarke Agriculture and Fisheries Minister

Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ian Hayles (left), and Minister of Youth and Culture and Member of Parliament for North East St. Ann, Lisa Hanna, inspect Scotch Bonnet pepper that was destroyed during the recent passing of Hurricane Sandy. Looking on is Parish Agricultural Manager for Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) St. Ann, Donald Robinson.

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By Bryan Miller inister of State for Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Ian Hayles, says there are no plans to increase imports of agricultural produce in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He said that despite the estimated $2 billion in damage to the sector, adequate foodstuff will be available to meet the needs of consumers. Let me make it quite clear, there will be no importationin terms of the shortfall, the consumers of this country will have no problem, he stated at a press conference at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) office in Claremont, St. Ann, today (Oct. 31), prior to touring the parish. We cannot continue to import day after day, month after month, it has to come to a stop he stated, noting that the countrys high import bill for food far exceeds its export earnings. He noted that while the parishes of Portland and St. Mary were severely affected, and preliminary reports are showing some $50 million worth of damage in St. Ann, other food-producing parishes were not as badly affected by the hurricane. These parishes, he assured, will be able to meet needs, while the Ministry works quickly to put the affected farmers back into production. So, in terms of imports, we are going to contain it, and at the same time, it is critical that we do everything now to put the farmers back into production as soon as possible, he stated. The tour was to see firsthand, the damage to farms in the parish as a result of the hurricane, which hit the island on October 24. Some 1, 500 farmers in St. Ann were affected and 70 hectares of crops damaged. Hayles issued an appealed for all affected farmers to report the extent of their damage to their RADA office, so that any available assistance can be channeled to them as soon as possible. He said this is very important in ensuring that they get back into production early.

No Need to Increase Food Imports-Hayles

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14 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012

he Rual Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) communicates with farmers through text messages sent to registered farmers prior, during and after a disaster to help farmers in managing their operations. Brochures on disaster preventative measures are available at the RADA parish offices and at our website www.rada.gov.jm .

Hurricane Tips for Farmers

What farmers should do before a hurricane: Check radio weather broadcasts periodically for latest forecasts and warnings Maintain drains, check dams, diversion of ditches as necessary. Keep fruit trees no more than 15 feet tall and not overhanging buildings. Cut back tree branches and open the canopy so wind passes through readily thus reducing the level of damage during the storm. Reap matured fruits and store in a cool, dry place for use after the event. Make a checklist of all farm animals Remove cattle and small ruminants from low lying areas to higher ground away from river banks and areas likely to have landslides or flooding. Stockpile feed and place at least 2 feet above ground in dry, flood-resistant and leak-proof areas to last at least one week. Remove irrigation lines and equipment and store in area secured from damage. Establish protected seedling production centres for early replanting after a hurricane.

For further information, contact your extension officer, your RADA parish office or call our toll free number 1-888-ASK-RADA or 1-888-275-7232.

After a Hurricane: Call your RADA extension officer, Parish office, farmers' group representative, Agriculture Emergency Operations Centre and report the damage caused by the hurricane. Assess property for damage to buildings, animals, crops, equipment etc. Be alert and look for fallen or broken high powered electrical wires which may still be alive and dangerous. Do not turn on electrical devices until proper checks by a competent person confirm it is safe to do so. Dispose of dead animals immediately, by burial or burning. Report signs of livestock distress/infection to livestock officer or veterinarian. In cutting broken or fallen trees, make sharp, clean cuts at a 45 degree angle to prevent water settling on the cut surface.

During a Hurricane: Maintain open communications with all farm personnel Never prune during the hurricane Never shelter under a tree during the hurricane. Trees attract lightning and are therefore dangerous to humans and livestock. Stay away from broken branches and uprooted trees. Do not risk your life trying to save animals from drowning

Chop any cooked food very finely NO BONES! Until 3 months of age the puppy should be fed four times daily From 3 to 6 months three times a day From 6 to 12 months twice a day Introduce new foods gradually Always prepare and serve food under clean conditions Do not serve hot food let it cool first Remember milk is not a meal by itself Provide plenty of fresh water and check it several times a day Commercial puppy chow is a balanced diet, and provides all the minerals and vitamins required by a growing pup. For the very young ones the feed may be moistened.

For a New Puppy

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Pet Care

Vaccinations Vaccinating boosts the immunity of the animal, and is especially important for young puppies, as it provides them with the ability to fight off infection all through adult life. Ideally, the first vaccination should be given at 6 weeks, and subsequently at threeweek intervals until 16 weeks of age. At the same time de-worming is recommended at 17-21 days, and then every 3 weeks in conjunction with vaccination.

tion medication, especially puppies. A blood test is performed by 6 months of age to ensure the animal is clear, the prophylactic is administered, and continued thereafter on a monthly basis. Routine testing should be done at least once a year. Symptoms vary, but common signs are coughing, weight loss, lack of energy, depression and shortness of breath. Heartworm can be treated, but the treatment is very expensive, and total rest is a MUST for at least four weeks afterwards. There is no guarantee that the animal will stay free of heartworm, and monthly prophylactics should continue to be given. In the long run prevention is better, and cheaper, than cure (J.S.P.C.A.s prices are very reasonable). Contact:

Heartworm This condition is spread by the bite of mosquitoes, and can be fatal. All animals should be given regular heartworm protec-

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OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012

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