Thanks to our over 230,000 farmers and f isherfolk

AS JAMAICA continues to strive towards food security and ensuring safe and nutritious food for all, we pause to recognise our farmers, who have worked relentlessly towards making this a reality.

Indeed, over the years, our farmers have demonstrated the true Jamaican spirit of hard work and resilience, even in the face of the many challenges that confront the agricultural sector.

On behalf of the people of Jamaica, I wish to unreservedly say thanks to our over 230,000 farmers and fisherfolk who have weathered the storms of drought and floods.

More recently, we recall the devastating floods in central Jamaica and in the eastern parishes of St Thomas, Portland and St Mary, which resulted in millions of dollars of damage to crops. We note, also, the indomitable spirit of our farmers who have been undaunted by these setbacks and have picked up the pieces and are ensuring that we return to a place of growth in recognition of the important role that the agricultural sector plays in ensuring the growth of the Jamaican economy.

As Government, we are committed to the growth of the sector and will continue to support our farmers by putting in place policies and programmes, such as our National Irish Potato Expansion Programme, to stimulate growth in the sector, as well as provide the financial assistance required from time to time through our Productivity Incentive Programme.

We welcome, also, the invaluable contribution of our private-sector partners who have been providing technical and financial support to our farmers, and we look forward to even greater partnership as we strive towards 100 per cent selfsufficiency in many of the crops that we consume.

In this regard, I urge all stakeholders in agriculture to join us in expanding the sector.

As we celebrate the 35th observance of Farmers’ Month, I urge us all to continue to support the increased production and productivity of our farmers by eating what we grow.

HON AUDLEY SHAW, CD, MP Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries