THE JAMAICA Agricultural Society is pushing for the imposition of permit charges on goods coming into the island which compete directly with local agricultural commodities.
Under the proposed scheme, a charge would be imposed on all agricultural imports which compete with local produce. The proceeds from the scheme would be put into a fund which would be used to spearhead programmes in the agricultural sector.
Bobby Pottinger, president of the JAS, reinforced his call for the new arrangements at the official launch of Farmers' Month held recently at the JAS board room in Kingston.
Roger Clarke, Minister of Agriculture, said his ministry would be giving full support to the initiative proposed by the JAS.
Speaking at the launch, the minister announced that there would be no reduction in the annual subvention of $17 million to the JAS, despite the cut in the ministry's budget.
Hardly adequate
"We are happy that it has not been cut, but it is hardly adequate," said Robert Reid, chief executive officer of the JAS, in response. He said the JAS has had difficulty dealing effectively with all its problems on its present allocation.
"It was tough last year and it will be very challenging this year," he said.
Mr. Clarke has challenged the Rural Agricultural Development Authority to engender closer ties with the Jamaica Agricultural Society for better working relationships in the field.
Also, he urged the JAS to get going with its proposed centralised marketing initiative. He challenged the top brass of the organisation to take a new approach to the issue of mobilising farmers into groups. He said farmers throughout Jamaica needed to see viability. He offered the services of the ministry's Information Systems Department in the efforts of the JAS.
"You can feel that something has to happen", Mr. Reid said after the meeting.
"We are very happy to see that the minister is so committed to the on-going process of agricultural development. He has indicated that he will be having discussions with the Prime Minister to make this initiative a reality."
The JAS has planned four regional meetings with farmers throughout the country during this Farmers' Month to discuss issues related to the praedial larceny programme, the centralised marketing scheme, the tillage programme, financing and other areas. The first meeting is scheduled for St. Catherine this Thursday.
