Clive Bryan, Gleaner Writer
St. Catherine:
THERE HAS been a rush on the Ministry of Agriculture by bee farmers applying for loans under a special $15 million fund that has been set aside to assist with the expansion of apiaries.
Chief Agiculture Officer Reginald Peddy said the response from farmers has been overwhelming to the extent that the ministry is considering lowering the maximum loan amount from $300,000 so that more farmers can benefit. He said the ministry has stopped accepting applications due to the demand and has begun interviewing applicants.
This is among several initiatives aimed at preparing honey producers for the opportunities and challenges that will come with the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) and other global trading arrangements.
BEEKEEPING CENSUS
The apiculture unit, located at the Bodles Agricultural Research Station in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, is currently conducting a beekeeping census, which is to be completed this month. An estimated $1.3 million will be spent on the census while another $3.5 million will be spent rehabilitating apiaries. Half million dollars is to be spent on an integrated pest management research project to protect against bee pests and diseases.
Mr. Peddy noted that $3.5 million is being spent to create employment specifically for youth and women. Another $5 million is being set aside by the ministry assist farmers affected by pests and natural disasters.
Peddy notes that there was agrowing demand for honey, which is a popular sweetener with food and drink producers. He said "the future looks good," but said production is not likely to reach the pre-Hurricane Ivan level of 1.05 million kilograms annually, before another season."
Local production is currently 85 per cent of domestic demand; 98.5 tonnes were exported to Europe last year.
