Treat our farmers with the respect and dignity they deserve

THE JAMAICA Agricultural Society (JAS) celebrates the 34th annual Farmers’ Month, where the importance and role of farmers to the nation’s development are recognised. Farmers’ Month 2017 continues to carry the theme of ‘Grow What We Eat — Eat What We Grow’, as the Eat Jamaican campaign launched by me as president in 2003.

Agriculture plays a critical role in the life of a country’s economy, as it is the backbone of the economic system.

Therefore, the role of farmers in the economy is fundamental and important as they are the process owners who contribute to the sustainability of food security, which is a major component of sustainable economic development.

The JAS’s main objectives to continue the support of our more than 220,000 farmers, fisherfolk, and stakeholders of the agriculture sector include:

Advocacy and recognition of farmers: Lobby for easier access and improved resources such as roads, irrigation and financing and the fight against praedial larceny, hence the introduction of the Honorary JAS life members and the launch of the JAS Legal council.

Farmers’ welfare programmes: Forming partnership and initiatives that aid the other elements of a farmer’s life, Such as our JAS/COK Pension Plan, which at December 2016 has 163 members. Farmers technology and information programme: Improve access to training and educational opportunities for farmers and youth interested in agriculture. Promotion and advancement of agricultural shows: We continue to promote agriculture through parish shows and the national show, Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show, which will be held August 5-7, 2017. Organising farmers in functional community groups: United farmers can support each other through the sharing of information and also engaging the next generation who will take over. Marketing of agricultural produce Major projects, production and productivity programmes Maintain and establish the inter-agency collaboration that will support the farmers, attract investors and new farmers to build the growth of our industry. Agriculture development fund We ask all Jamaicans to join in the celebration by supporting local production and goods. Most important, treat our farmers with respect and dignity, as they provide the food we feed our families.

Senator Norman W. Grant, JP President Jamaica Agricultural Society