By Balford Henry, News Editor
Adeeb Azan (right), National Champion Farmer, chats yesterday with Leighton Davis, Young Champion Farmer, after they were both honoured by the Jamaica Agricultural Society at the Terra Nova Hotel, Waterloo Road, New Kingston. - Rudolph Brown/Staff Photographer
DR. OMAR Davies, Minister of Finance and Planning, waved an olive branch to farmers yesterday, offering to take a second look at the General Consumption Tax (GCT) on feeds and fertilisers and interest rates offered by the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ).
Speaking at the Jamaica Agricultural Society's luncheon at the Terra Nova Hotel, Waterloo Road, New Kingston, to honour national champion farmers, Dr. Davies said he was aware of the concerns raised by the farmers about the newly imposed GCT on the items, and he was willing to look again "at the numbers."
But, Dr. Davies warned the farmers that at the same time, they must be aware that the country had a fiscal problem and would have to find funds to pay the salaries of its employees.
NOT GIVING ANY COMMITMENT
He said he was not giving any commitment to a roll back, but said he had agreed with Roger Clarke, the Agriculture Minister, to look at the concerns about the GCT issue. However, he told the farmers that they should bear in mind that GCT was not the only burden, as they should also be concerned about the competitivity of fertiliser prices, as the tax was based on the price of the product.
There were calls from farmers attending the luncheon that he also look at the tax on pesticides, but Dr. Davies said it would not be possible to open the floodgate in view of the fiscal situation. He noted that his ministry was not collecting much income tax from agriculture, in any case.
On interest rates, the minister agreed that there was scope for improved relationship between the farming community and the Development Bank of Jamaica, but stated that DBJ needed to survive like any other other bank.
