Stephanie Elliott, Gleaner Writer

Nassau, Bahamas:

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has expressed concern about the region's preparedness for the implementation of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Protocols.

Coming out of the just-concluded Caribbean Agricultural Week of activities held in Nassau, Bahamas, the FAO said agricultural health and food safety standards across the Caribbean were outdated and readiness for the implementation of SPS protocols was less than satisfactory.

It was pointed out that despite the establishment of the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (CAHFSA) to assist the region in the imple-mentation of the standards, many Caribbean countries continue to face individual challenges.

Initiative

However, the FAO noted that an initiative proposed under the Jagdeo Initiative aimed at "strengthening agriculture for sustainable growth and development" could alleviate many of the constraints affecting individual member countries.

Notwithstanding, however, it was noted that some progress has been made as it relates to the drafting of a Food Safety Bill which is up for deliberation this month and an Animal Health Bill. Also, the meeting was told that CARICOM was awaiting a res-ponse from the FAO regarding consultations aimed at providing support for start-up activities of the CAHFSA, which is to provide technical support for member states.

john.myers@gleanerjm.com