HON FRANKLIN WITTER, JP, MP

Minister of State

Healthy plants are fundamental to the way of life for humans and animals here in Jamaica and globally. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the con ict in Europe, continues to underscore the importance of food security.

Plants not only provide food for humans and feed for animals but also provide the very oxygen we breathe, and are the material from which clothes are made and natural building material is derived. It is therefore only tting that the United Nations on the recommendation from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) pauses to raise awareness annually of the importance of plant health to agriculture, in particular, and to the general health and economic viability of a country.

We at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries are quite seized of the importance of plant health to agricultural production and productivity and have a competent team of technocrats across our divisions and agencies who are ensuring our operations and projects reflect the importance of plant health.

We call on our farmers to “Get Involved” by ensuring that you prevent the spread of pests by using only certified, pest-free seeds and seedlings and monitor your crops for unusual pest occurrence, and engage in safe and environment-friendly pest management practices.