THE BANANA Support Project has received an allocation of $91 million in the 2006/07 budgetary estimates to continue to promote sustainable development in the traditional banana-growing areas of the island.
The project began in April 2005, and is slated for completion in March 2008. It is funded jointly by the Government, which contributes $2 million, and the European Union, contributing the remaining $89 million.
The objectives of the Banana Support Project involve maintaining the living standards of banana farmers and farm workers, and addressing the needs of banana and plantain farmers through the project management coordination division of the Ministry of Agriculture, in association with the Banana Export Company.
Assistance will also be provided to public and private agencies in promoting alternative economic activities for banana farmers, as well as farm and port workers.
DATABASE SYSTEM
A database system is to be established with up-to-date information on all registered banana and plantain farmers. The funds will also go toward full recovery of the sector to pre-Hurricane Ivan levels of production for both the domestic and export markets, and to continue to improve fruit quality ratings above 95 per cent. Fifty farmers will be assisted in reaching European Retail Parties Good Agricultural Practices compliance. Another 11 are to receive assistance to export into the United Kingston's Fair Trade niche.
As it relates to support services, technology transfer will be continued as well as applied research into products, operational procedures and planting materials.
Laboratory tests and field trails will be done to determine optimum input use and environmental safety, in addition to farm and certification tests. Pest and disease control will be carried out on some 500 hectares of cultivation and 400 farmers trained in pest and disease control. Also, drainage and soil conservation systems will be constructed and maintained.
