BLACK RIVER, St. Elizabeth:
MINISTER OF Agriculture Roger Clarke has encouraged farmers in St. Elizabeth to stay in the business and produce quality goods in order to compete with the rest of the world. He said the time has come for the parish to maintain its professional standard in agriculture.
The Agriculture Minister was speaking at the 10th anniversary and exposition of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) in Santa Cruz on Thursday.
Mr. Clarke told the more than 200 farmers, students, teachers and other guests that recently $233 million was allocated to RADA to assist with its extension programmes. "Another $19 million was given to the agency by the government to assist with crop care maintenance," the Minister said.
"Some 32 schools are involved in the Youth in Agriculture programme which is in line with the policy direction of the Ministry of Agriculture", said Mr. Clarke.
The parish manager of RADA, Howard Hinds, in giving an overview of the agency, noted that some 26,000 farmers were listed in St. Elizabeth. He said RADA over the last 10 years have made significant contributions to the farming community.
Mr. Hinds told the audience that training was an important aspect of RADA's development and that several training sessions were conducted which benefited the staff to a great extent.
