The Editor, Sir:

As a young farmer I am very disappointed with the level of discussion on agricultural issues both in print and electronic media. Agriculture in Jamaica is in a very deep crisis.

We need new ideas and new people to enter the industry both from the government and the farming level. We need to focus on those areas that are affecting the profitability of the industry, many of which are the same affecting other business in Jamaica.

Agriculture is a risky business so for new investment to occur, both in terms of young minds and new money, the return has to be high. As farmers, we need to focus on profit so that we can accumulate assets that can be leveraged to tide us over in times of crisis; profit so that we can self- finance expansion. Interest rates will never be low enough to properly finance agriculture; the bulk of the investment will always be equity.

We need a minister who is going to make tough decisions and bring the modern business practices to the industry. You need to not only listen to the current stakeholders but create the environment to pull in new stakeholders; protect not only the old investment but encourage new investments.

It is easier for existing farmers to change methods and crops than to convince new farmers to enter industry. To paraphrase our Prime Minister: "Every farmer does not have to be rich but no farmer needs to be poor."

Opportunities and innovations are there, but we need the proper environment to make that investment. Get some new thinking to the table, Mr. Tufton. Good luck!

I am, etc.,

ASHLEY CHRISTIE

zistltd@hotmail.com