THE EDITOR, Sir:
IF WE are serious about increasing agricultural production, I recommend the following for consideration, to the Hon. Roger Clarke, Minister of Agriculture.
Invite large corporate entities such as Grace, Kennedy, Seprod, Lascelles, etc. revisit their interest in agriculture.
Lease all unused or idle lands suitable for any agricultural product to these companies at a very nominal yearly rate.
Provide Tax incentives as follows: every $50 million invested, tax exemption on profits for 10 years; every additional $50 million: tax exemption on profits for a further 5 years; for every 500 persons employed: tax exemption on profits for an additional 2 years. (This would be an average of persons employed over a 5-year period).
It is my view that small farmers cannot return agricultural production to former years and therefore, we need to have major capital injection by large and well structured companies to take us out of our low production cycle.
Let us provide the incentives as was done with Desnoes & Geddes, in order to jump-start agricultural production, so that our exports can again play a significant part in our foreign exchange earnings. Over to you, Mr. Minister.
I am, etc.,
V.L. McKENZIE, J.P.
