Inspiring Jamaicans

THE ANNUAL Denbigh Agricultural Show continues to delight and inspire Jamaicans by showcasing the best of what our hardworking farmers have to offer. The highest commendation must go to the

Jamaica Agricultural Society, which, for over 120 years, has been a driving force in advancing the interests of generations of

food producers. I join the nation in saluting you for your stellar efforts in helping the industry to thrive and grow despite the many challenges. My respect and admiration for members of the largely rural farming community is a well-known fact, as I, too, was raised in rural parts.

Visiting the Denbigh showgrounds, viewing the displays and experiencing the charged and effervescent atmosphere that abounds there is always a highlight of our Independence celebrations.

A significant percentage of our people depend directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihoods while at the same time, the entire country continues to rely on those who grow crops and rear livestock for their day-to-day needs. With the national development agenda thus tied to agriculture, the need for continuous improvement in the management of the sector at the local, national, and global levels is a given. This has taken on heightened significance in wake of the steady expansion of international markets and the revolutions in agrotechnology which have combined to create a wealth of new opportunities for our local farmers.

We must move swiftly to regularise land tenure for our small farmers and to address the issue of irrigation that will effectively relinquish the dependence on rainfall and position all our farmers to meet the needs of our people in the 21st century.

It is only through a modern approach to agriculture and the sharing of knowledge that we can achieve higher yields, while constantly raising the standard of our services and the quality of our commodities for local and overseas markets. In this regard, I must congratulate the Jamaica Agricultural Society for serving as a bridge between the policymakers, the NGOs, the business sector, the scientific research community, the international agencies, and the large and small farmers that make up your membership. Partnerships among all the stakeholders are critical to the continued development and survival of the industry, and must be encouraged. Finally, let me say how gratifying it has been to witness the evolution and adaptation of the Denbigh Expo to suit the current climate. I note, especially, the introduction of the innovative Denbigh Hub Concepts that highlight the relationship of agriculture to home and family, tourism, health and wellness, and environmental awareness, while underscoring the urgency of succession planning by way of passing the mantle to the next generation of farmers. As a people, we must become more invested in teaching our children from an early age where their food comes from, and the diverse processes involved in its production before it reaches the markets, supermarkets and shops, and appears on their tables and in their lunch boxes. This will undoubtedly help them to develop a better appreciation of our natural resources and a deeper respect for the environment, and cement their future role in a Jamaica that works for all its citizens. Dr Peter Phillips, MP Leader of the Opposition