Key partners in nat’l development

AS WE celebrate the 35th anniversary of Farmers’ Month, it is an opportune time for the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) to focus even more on the critical role it will have to play in building a new economy.

All indicators point to the fact that the modernisation of the agricultural sector is the key to Jamaica achieving the levels of inclusive economic growth required to raise living standards for all. This process of modernisation must be facilitated by radical land reform, irrigation, and the incorporation of modern farming technologies to drive production and growth. Focus must also be given to creating a market for our farmers and ensuring that those who invest in agriculture have better access to land and credit.

A modern agricultural sector will improve our competitiveness in the global market, integrate domestic agriculture with tourism and enable us to feed ourselves by growing what we eat and eating what we grow.

Jamaica has been too well endowed by nature for us not to develop an agricultural sector that contributes more to the national product. For over a century, the JAS has played a leading role in organising our farmers to expand agricultural production. Let me take this opportunity to recognise this range of activities, including the annual National Farmers’ Month, which confirms the critical contribution of the JAS to the agricultural sector.

The next government of the People’s National Party will build a dynamic partnership with the JAS to rebuild the rural economy as the cornerstone of a Jamaica that will work for all Jamaicans.

As you celebrate the 35th anniversary of Farmers’ Month, let me invite my fellow Jamaicans to fully participate in the activities planned as we salute the contribution of our farmers to national development.

PETER PHILLIPS

Leader of the Opposition