I urge every Jamaican to ‘Eat Jamaican’

I AM pleased to congratulate the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) on its 17th anniversary celebrations of the ‘Eat Jamaican’ campaign.

The Jamaica Agricultural Society has been a key stakeholder in agricultural sector, promoting and protecting the livelihood of our farmers. In that regard, the ‘Eat Jamaican’ campaign was borne out of a vision for us as a nation to ‘grow what we eat and eat what we grow’. An initiative such as this places emphasis on the importance of safeguarding our local agriculture and ensuring pride of place for local produce. It is an affirmation of the good work of our skilled farmers, who, despite challenges in the sector, surmount the odds to bring nutritious and quality meals to our homes and tables. Importantly, it is a recognition, through this venture, that we must reposition Jamaica’s agricultural sector as our first choice for food supplies. Through a process of integrated rural development and a commitment to sustainable food security we can elevate the sector and accord the appropriate value to our farmers and those who work alongside them in the industry, especially in food processing.

As the world faces the COVID19 pandemic, we are forced to develop greater self-reliance and to innovate and adapt in the face of changing realities. Through our agriculture, we have the capacity to secure our nation’s well-being; food security, therefore, has become more critical.

The Jamaica Agricultural Society plays a critical role in achieving sustainability during this unprecedented time. As a country, we rely on the JAS to work diligently to ensure the rights and interests of our farmers are protected, we rely on them to improve the industry so that our farmers’ interest are represented at the highest level. With a focus on the development of rural and farming communities and the promotion of agriculture through sustainable and profitable enterprises, we are able to secure quality provisions and enable the livelihood of our farmers.

I urge every Jamaican to ‘Eat Jamaican’, and I urge our farmers to increase production and to become more integrally involved in taking themselves to the next level, by offering value-added products with attractive packaging. The Jamaica Agricultural Society recognises the importance of supporting local production in order to ensure the stability of the agricultural sector and, by extension, nation-building.

I commend the president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, Mr Lenworth Fulton, and his executive team for being proactive and placing emphasis on the growth of the agricultural sector.

As our nation commemorates the 17th anniversary of the ‘Eat Jamaican’ campaign, I urge support of the initiative and an appreciation of the range and quality of Jamaica’s agricultural produce and products.

THE MOST HON ANDREW HOLNESS ON, MP, PRIME MINISTER