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Fake ‘Jamaican bananas’ found on Canadian & New York City store shelves • JP Farms taking legal action to protect Brand Jamaica See Page 9

SOLO SPRAYERS SOLO MASTER 452 Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries, Pearnel Charles Jr, poses with his proclamation from Mayor of Yonkers, Mike Spano. The proclamation was presented by Jamaican-born Council member from the City of Yonkers, Shanae Williams (left), who holds a signed declaration from the City Council recognising the Minister for his contribution in various ministries.

City of Yonkers honors Minister Charles Story on page 12

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NEWS P

Businessman Dr. Marshall Hall has died

rominent Jamaican businessman Dr. Marshall McGowan Hall, has passed away. Hall, who was 88, died on November 22, 2022. Hall was most recognized for his association with the Jamaica Producers Group Limited, where he served as director for over 40 years and Group Managing Director for 27 years. Hall was most recognized for his association with the Jamaica Producers Group Limited (JP), where he served as director for over 40 years and Group Managing Director for 27 years. During the period he modernized, the operations of JP contributed to a significant increase in banana export to the United Kingdom. He also boosts the company's viability by introducing several valueadded products, including plantain and banana chips. Jeffrey Hall, his son and current Chief Executive Officer of Jamaica Producers

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Dr. Marshall McGowan Hall, has passed away at 88 years

Group, has reflected on his father's passing. "My father was, above all, a family man. He was a leader, a protector, and a selfless champion for his family and the people at the institutions with which he was affiliated. "He did this with sincerity, humility, humor, wisdom, and hard work. He showed us how to break down barriers and

taught us not to see limits. This was his gift to us, and we truly loved him for it. We will forever miss him," he said. In his tribute, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Dr. Hall made an immeasurable contribution to national development, and Jamaica will continue to benefit from his legacy for generations to come. Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, says Dr. Hall dedicated his life to contributing to developing private and public sectors in post-independence Jamaica. Dr. Marshall Hall had two entire careers. First, he was an academic economist, graduating from Columbia University in New York in 1957 and the University of Wisconsin where he earned his Ph.D. in 1960. He served as a faculty member of the University of Wisconsin in the United States and Makerere University in Uganda and as a full professor of economics at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri.

He returned to Jamaica in 1972 and served as the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of the West Indies, Mona and as Head of the Department of Management Studies, a precursor to the Mona School of Business. He has been published extensively in the world's leading academic journals in microeconomics and institutional economics. He also served as Chairman of the University of the West Indies Mona Campus Council and a Member of the Council of the University of the West Indies. Hall also held numerous corporate directorships and served as board chairman in various public, private, academic, and non-profit institutions in Jamaica and internationally. He is also a member of the PSOJ Hall of Fame and has been awarded the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD) and the Order of Jamaica (OJ) by the Government of Jamaica.

Agriculturalists mourn the passing of Dr. Charles "Dougie" Douglas

embers of the agricultural fraternity are mourning the death of Dr. Charles Deverel "Dougie" Douglas, who served the farming, banking, finance, and productivity sectors for over three decades. Dr. Douglas died November 6, 2022, at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Mona, where he was treated for prostate-related issues. He was 69. He had a huge passion for productivity measurement and benchmarking at the levels of individuals, firms, industries, and the national economy. He served as the Executive Director of the Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC) from 2005-2018.

Dr. Douglas also worked as Assistant Director of the Research and Macroeconomic Programming Division at the Bank of Jamaica; International Trade Policy Analyst at the Washington DC-based National Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy (NCFAP); and Senior Economist at the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI). He held a Ph.D. in Production Economics and International Trade from the University of Florida, a Master of Science degree in Resource Economics from the University of New England (New South Wales, Australia); a foundation degree in

Economics from McGill University (Quebec, Canada) and a Diploma in General Agriculture from the Jamaica School of Agriculture. A committed public servant, "Dougie" was a Justice of the Peace for St. Andrew; a RADA Board member (2007-2012) and chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee; Chairman of Jamaica 4-H Clubs (2016-2018; member of the Coconut Industry Board (2016-2020) and a member of the National Irrigation Commission. He is survived by his wife, Camille Lee.

Dr. Charles "Dougie" Douglas died at 69 years

By Webster McPherson

• Wayne “Loser” Noble of Class 1986 died in New York on November 25, 2022. • Consultant Economist and Ole Farmer Dr Huntley George Manhertz (Class of 1958), died on September 18, 2022.

Ole Farmer Winston "Wingie" Armstrong (Class of 1976), died on Sunday, October 30, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, where he resided. After graduating from the Jamaica School of Agriculture he worked in the Jamaican agricultural sector for many years prior to migrating to the USA where he worked in the Aviation Industry for many decades.

Ole Farmer Michael “Mikey T” Thomas (Class of 1981), who made the transition to be with his maker on Saturday, October 22, 2022, in Roseau, Dominica where he resided. After graduating from the Jamaica School of Agriculture in 1981, Thomas returned to his native island, Dominica where gave over four decades of dedicated and yeoman service to the island’s agricultural industry

Ole Farmer Knollys "Wharpener" Malcolm (Class of 1977) made the transition to be with his maker on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, in Montego Bay, St. James where he resided. After graduating from the Jamaica School of Agriculture he worked in the agricultural sector for many years prior to venturing into his own business as a transport service owner and operator in the tourism sector.

• Ole Farmer Gairy "Snooze" Dixon (Class of 1977) who made the transition to be with his maker on September 07, 2022 • Ole Farmer Owen Donville "Betta" Clarke (Class of 1994), who made the transition to be with his maker on June 03, 2022, in the USA where he resided; after losing his valiant battle with brain cancer.

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EDITORIAL

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Is the PSOJ a private club that locks out farmers?

few days ago, the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) led a group of “private sector and civil society” representatives to encourage a unified approach to crime fighting, one without politicization. The PSOJ listed fifteen groups supporting the point that “the citizens of Jamaica deserve the right to life and to raise their families in a society that will allow them to do so without fear. We must win the war.” As Jamaica’s crime rate spirals out of control, any reasonable initiative to stop criminal activities is laudable. Still, why did none of the participating organizations represent the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors? These goods-producing industries have faced crime-related challenges, including praedial theft and other criminal activities. However, they continue to impact the lives of well over 500,000 Jamaicans positively. Government officials estimated that Jamaican farmers suffer more than $5 billion per annum losses due to praedial larceny. The theft of farm animals and

PATRICK MAITLAND Publisher - The Agriculturalist [email protected]

produce hampers local production and productivity growth and expansion in the agricultural and fisheries sector. Farm families in the once peaceful rural and farming communities live in fear as they face murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and other criminal action.

Yet, the PSOJ overlooked these primary food producers and opted for organizations including the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association (JMEA), Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA), Dunn’s River Craft Traders Market Association; Ocho Rios Craft Council and the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce. Our colleagues in the farming community, including the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) and representatives of goats, bees, coffee, banana, and sugar cane farmers, said they were never invited to join the PSOJ crime-fighting initiative. JAS president Lenworth Fulton told The Agriculturalist that his organization completed application forms to join the PSOJ sometime in 2018. Still, for some strange reason, the farmers’ organization has never been consulted on matters of national importance. “We met with the leadership of the PSOJ on a few occasions; nonetheless, we are not seen as a “private sector and civil society [group],” Fulton said. Unfortunately, the Keith Duncan-led PSOJ could not persuade the opposition

members in the Senate to vote for an extension of the States of Public Emergency (SOEs) until January 14, 2023, in the select parishes where SOEs were declared on November 15, 2022. Nonetheless, President Duncan is a patriotic Jamaican who always puts forward solutions or supports initiatives to enhance growth and development. However, he and the umbrella private sector group need to do a better job of consulting with the farming community. The so-called “private sector and civil society” grouping should not be seen as an elite class of businesspeople who are exclusive members of the PSOJ. The farmers and their leaders are also private businesspeople and entrepreneurs. It is counterproductive for the PSOJ not to embrace and give a voice to farmers and their representatives, the JAS, in matters of national importance. At the same time, the JAS needs to be more assertive in demanding its place at the table as a 127-year-old association with credibility and demonstrating its importance to Jamaica’s well-being.

The opinions expressed in this newspaper, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Agriculturalist and its publishers. Please send your comments or suggestions to [email protected]. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all articles will be published.

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Embracing organic farming to achieve sustainability

f you surveyed Jamaican farmers today on organic farming, a large percentage would tell you that organic agriculture “can’t work in Jamaica.” Since returning to Jamaica over 15 years ago, I have worked in the agriculture sector and understood the above statement to the common sentiment of many Jamaican farmers and agricultural professionals across the island. I hear these statements, for example, “it can’t work because we have too many pests,” or “the vegetables will be too small,” and

my favourite “we have to spray the weeds, or we can’t plant.” Every time I hear these remarks, I shake my head and wonder how we disconnected from the natural world and how we grew food 5060 years ago before the introduction of the “Green Revolution.” I am also amazed that I have to argue with farmers that most chemical sprays are poisoning them and their crops. For centuries farmers globally have managed to grow crops by understanding the natural planetary cycles and were able to use

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biological solutions to obtain excellent results. Globally, due to logistic challenges such as the Covid pandemic, the Russia/Ukraine war the primary supplier of these synthetic fertilizers and the fact that the minerals and salts used to make these synthetic fertilizers are being depleted with only a few more years of availability. We are very concerned that these minerals and salts are being depleted rapidly. The cost of synthetic fertilizers, which has tripled

in the last two years, should give all farmers (organic and conventional) pause to examine alternative solutions to build soil fertility on their farms. In July 2022, The Jamaica Organic Agricultural Movement (JOAM) hosted a conference called “Farming as a Business,” where the Minister of Agriculture Pernell Charles Jr. spoke of his support of the organic sector and offered $50 million in the form of organic fertilizer. JOAM and the entire organic sector were very excited about the intervention and support of organic farming. The Minister and his team reached out to JOAM regarding the questions of organic fertilizer and certification. JOAM made several suggestions, and the primary response was to approach fertility challenges by using an adage, “teach and man to fish instead of giving a man a fish.” JOAM encouraged the country to take a more systemic and long-term approach to the current challenge. JOAM recommends teaching all farmers how to grow and create their fertility farms. We are also encouraging new enterprise development for high-quality compost in light of the

depleting source of minerals and salts. Jamaica can grow all its fertility needs and export fertility due to its 12-month growing seasons. JOAM suggested several other strategies to address the current and future soil fertility challenges. JOAM emphasized rural and urban compost projects, biochar, vermicomposting, and other land management strategies that would aid in building soil fertility and better land management practices. These recommendations speak to both rural and urban land fertility challenges. Let us work in harmony with the natural world not just because we want to survive these coming challenging times but because we want to thrive and create an abundant world for ourselves. ___________________________ Nicola Shirley-Phillips is the former chairman of The Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement (JOAM) -a non-profit, non-governmental organization managed by a seven-person Board of Directors. JOAM was established in May 2001 after the Jamaica Organic Growers Association (JOGA) ceased to exist.

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NEWS

Jamaicans urged to eat more local food

By TWILA WHEELAN (JIS): amaicans are being urged to eat more locally produced food, as part of efforts to safeguard the island’s food security, by President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Lenworth Fulton. The call is also being made in light of the upcoming ‘Eat Jamaican’ Day observance on Friday, November 25. Fulton, in a recent message, said the organisation recognises the importance of supporting local production in order to ensure the stability of the agricultural sector and, by extension, nationbuilding. “It is my opinion that there is no economic activity which has a greater multiplier effect than money made from farming. As we urge consumers today to ‘Eat Jamaican’, in the same breath we urge the 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,” he said. Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries reported six consecutive quarters of growth since the second quarter of 2021. This represents a 17.4 per cent increase in production. Fulton said the ‘Eat Jamaican’ tenets have become even more purposeful as the nation battles the global pandemic of COVID-19 and its debilitating effects on the society. “There is a real need, therefore, to consume local agricultural produce filled with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to boost the immune system. The ‘Eat Jamaican’ campaign was borne out of the need to encourage consumers to recognise,

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MOST FORMIDABLE SCIENTIST: Plant pathologist at the Coconut Industry Board Dr. Wayne Myrie (r) accepts the second most formidable scientist award from executive director, International Coconut Community Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw. The presentation took place at the 50th Cocotech meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia held November 7-11, 2022. The 50th International COCOTECH Conference and Exhibition is the largest technical conference dedicated solely to coconut development. Lenworth Fulton - President, Jamaica Agricultural Society

support and to have a greater appreciation for the range and quality of Jamaica’s agricultural produce and products,” he added. Now in its 19th year, the Eat Jamaican campaign was launched by the late Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke. A Proclamation that was issued on November 25, 2003, declared November 25 annually as ‘Eat Jamaican’ Day. The main aim of the campaign is to reposition the agricultural sector through a process of integrated rural development, as well as to develop a programme of sustainable food security.

Agriculture Minister welcomes third price cut on fertilisers

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griculture Minister Pearnel price reduction of two to 11 per cent Charles Jr. has welcomed the on traditional standard NPK granular third price cut on fertilisers for fertilisers. Charles says he is pleased with 2022. Amid rising input prices for farmers, fertiliser manufacturer NewportFersan Jamaica Limited has announced relief for farmers, with a price reduction on the critical farm input. Farmers will now see an average

this reduction. This price adjustment will also be extended to Fersan's Booster Line of improved fertilisers, whose new prices will be three to 14 per cent lower than some traditional granular standard fertilisers.

Newport-Fersan reduces fertilizer price by 11% J amaica’s sole manufacture of fertilizer Newport-Fersan (Jamaica) Ltd recently announced a new price cut in a range of fertilizers, effective November 9, 2022 by up to 11%, Ex-factory’s levels.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Franklin Witter (right), presents second runner-up in the ‘Many Moods of Tilapia’ cooking competition, Camelia Thompson, with her prizes. Occasion was the Eat Jamaican Day Expo at Devon House on November 25. -PHOTO: RUDRANATH FRASER

According to a press release from the company the price adjustment would also be extended to our Booster Line of improved fertilizers, whose new prices will be set between 3% to 14% below some of the most popular blends. “In keeping with that commit-

ment, we are pleased to announce a new price cut in a range of fertilizers, effective Nov 9, by up to 11%, Ex-factory’s levels. Newport-Fersan takes great pride in contributing to the farming community as we aim to move Jamaica’s agricultural sector forward,” Javene Skyers, Marketing Coordinator, Newport-Fersan (Jamaica) Ltd. Skyers said Newport-Fersan strives to be consistent with its policy of adjusting prices either downwards or upwards whenever such fluctuations occur in the world market.

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NEWS

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JAS stages successful ‘Eat Jamaican Day’ Expo BY MICKELLA ANDERSON (JIS): amaicans were out in their numbers to attend the ‘Eat Jamaican Day’ Expo on the lawns of Devon House in Kingston, on November 25. The annual event, which was staged by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) under the theme: ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart: Let’s Eat Jamaican’, formed part of Eat Jamaican Month activities. Several agencies and entities mounted booths and displays. They included the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Bodles Research Station, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Jamaica Dairy Development Board, National Irrigation Commission (NIC), Clarendon Blends, JP St. Mary’s, and Singer Jamaica Limited. Some exhibitors provided samples of various Jamaican foods to the scores of patrons. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., in the keynote address, highlighted that the occasion “is an opportunity for all of us in Jamaica to get the taste of Jamaica, but also to remember why we are here.” “It is about ensuring that we are supporting our farmers and our fishers, and that we are giving them an opportunity to showcase their brilliance, their excellence, and al that they do for us every single day,” he said. The Minister reminded participants that the agriculture sector has recorded six consecutive quarters of growth, pointing out that all major crops reflected an increase for the current quarter. Notable among these, Mr. Charles said, were plantains, up 21.9 per cent; fruits, up 20.8 per cent; yams, up 19.1 per cent; vegetables, up 18.5 per cent; and condiments, up 16.9 per cent. Against this background, he thanked farmers and fishers for their gallant efforts and acknowledged the hard work of the JAS, which has been spearheading the ‘Eat Jamaican’ campaign for 19 years. The day’s other activities included the final of the inaugural ‘Many Moods of Tilapia’ cooking competition, organised by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA). Finalist, Sasha-Kay Gooden Petrie’s coconut callaloo steamed tilapia and bammy bites emerged the winning dish. Another feature of the event was an ‘Out of Many One’ celebrity cookoff, which saw popular personalities, D’Angel, Kush, Rameish DeSouza and

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Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Pearnel Charles Jr. (right), shows off rambutans and velvet apples which were displayed during the ‘Eat Jamaican Day’ Expo at Devon House on November 25. From left are Acting Chief Executive Officer, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Winston Simpson, and Ministry representative, Jacqueline Ogilvie. -Rudranath Fraser Photo

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Pearnel Charles Jr. (right), and Rainforest Caribbean’s Roger Lyn (left), present an overjoyed Sasha-Kay Gooden-Petrie with her prizes for copping first place in the inaugural ‘Many Moods of Tilapia Cooking’ competition. The finals of the contest were held during the ‘Eat Jamaican Day’ Expo at Devon House on November 25. -Rudranath Fraser Photo

Razor B going head-to-head. Kush, who impressed the judges, copped first place with his combination of coconut jelly pasta, spicy sweet potato wedges, west African peanut stew, green banana salad and Taino banana tart with cassava crust. In an Instagram post following his win, the chef remarked that his goal was “to demonstrate that a full gourmet meal can be made from scratch using 100 per cent pure local ingredients; no imported flour, sweeteners, canned food, processed seasoning, or

imported oil.”Kush said his preparation was also intended to “celebrate and pay homage to the groups that have influenced Jamaican cuisine the most - the Africans and Tainos.” Meanwhile, several patrons told JIS News that they were impressed with the day’s proceedings. Fifth form Food and Nutrition student at Mona High School, Daniella Blake, said she and her classmates visited all the booths, resulting in them learning “a lot about agriculture and the different occupations in the sector.”

“I sampled a lot of different foods. My favourite was the tilapia fish; it was delicious. It wasn’t spicy, but you could taste the spices inside it,” she said. Kaylah Harris from Florida, USA, said the event increased her knowledge of Jamaican foods. “I’ve been watching, trying to learn about Jamaica’s agriculture. I love it. It’s very diverse, very green and very tied to our earth,” she said. -

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NEWS

NOV-DEC 2022 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 9

Fake 'Jamaican bananas' found on Canadian and New York City store shelves By Kimmy Blair The Agriculturalist Writer anana fruits purporting to be "Jamaican bananas" and bearing the JP branding on Canadian supermarket shelves have triggered concerns among the diaspora community in Toronto. A few weeks ago, bananas under JP and St Mary's brands were also on sale at the Palm Tree Marketplace Supermarket and SY Grace West Indian Supermarket in the Bronx, New York, USA. JP Farms, Jamaica's largest commercial grower of bananas, has long sold its St Mary-grown bananas locally and internationally under the JP and St Mary's brands. However, JP Farms General Manager Mario Figueroa noted that his company did not produce those fruits. He further explained the differences between fake fruit and genuine JP bananas. "The imposter bananas show quality defects that would not have passed JP Farms' standards for export these include sunburn damage and the food being too old to be used as boiling bananas - meaning the fruit would be tough when prepared." With potential severe implications for public safety and a negative effect on Brand Jamaica, JP Farms is swiftly taking legal action to remove the bananas from the Canadian market as soon as possible. "Our customers have come to know and trust JP bananas, and we are

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Banana fruits in Canada with the JP and St Mary’s brands.

Banana fruits in New York City with the JP and St Mary’s brands.

disappointed that this trust is being exploited. For this reason, we have consulted with our legal team to take swift action to protect our customers, our hard-working farm team here in Jamaica and our brand," Figueroa added. Efforts to get a comment from Figueroa concerning bananas labeled as St Mary's brands in New York City were unsuccessful. However, a few weeks ago, The Agriculturalist visited Palm Tree Marketplace Supermarket and SY Grace West Indian Supermarket in the Bronx, USA, and observed boxes with the label "Product of Dominican Republic" were packed with the JP and St Mary's brands. In the meantime, Jamaica Producers is encouraging stores selling the imposter bananas to pull the fraudulent product from their shelves and cease all sales of these bananas with immediate effect. Exports of Jamaican bananas to the UK was ceased in 2008. Jamaica Producers Group (JPG) chairman Charles Johnston announced the end of more than 100 years of banana trade with the UK. Johnston told freshinfo: "We have been hit by five hurricanes in a decade and are ceasing growing bananas at one of our two big farms. That loss of production leads us to cease exporting bananas to the UK." JPG continues to grow bananas for the domestic fresh and processing markets, and to farm the land that is exiting banana production.

Enough sugar being produced to satisfy Christmas demand!

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ith the demand for sugar expected to increase over the weeks to come leading into the yuletide season, the country is being assured that there is enough sugar in storage to satisfy the local demand. The disclosure was made by Secretary/Manager of the All-Island Jamaica Cane Farmers’ Association (AIJCFA), Nigel Myrie. Speaking with reporters last week, he said there is enough sugar being produced by the island's two sugar factories at Worthy Park Estates in St Catherine and Frome Sugar Factory in Westmoreland. Myrie underscored that, "Both of them have sufficient capacity to produce Jamaica's demand for brown sugar, and currently we have produced enough sugar this crop to satisfy the demand through the Christmas season. "So, there is no need for importation or

worry about a shortage of sugar in the Christmas season. We have enough sugar in storage to satisfy any demand, based on my knowledge," he stated. While other sectors of agriculture suffered some impact from the COVID19 pandemic, Myrie said the sugar production industry did not suffer any adverse effects. He pointed out that the industry operates throughout the year, and protocols were followed to prevent infection of the respiratory illness among the workers. "The factories operate within a specific window of time, so you have people working in the fields, people working in the factory, and transportation systems, so there is good separation... "We had protocols in place to control movements among those different segments of the industry, and so we weren't really hit hard with the... pandemic," Myrie informed.

Managing Director, Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), Omar Sweeney (right), displays agricultural equipment and supplies that have been provided for women and youth beneficiaries. These were presented during a recent JSIF Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) II handover ceremony at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston. Others (from left) are World Bank Representative in Jamaica, Ziva Razafintsalama, and farmers Javian Bassier and Venroy Wint. - PHOTO: MICHAEL SLOLEY

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ACHIEVEMENT

Appointments & Staff Movement

Bridgette Williams-Riley awarded Ph.D. degree I

By Kimmy Blair The Agriculturalist Writer

ndustrial/organizational psychologist and agriculturalist Bridgette WilliamsRiley recently completed the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Organizational Behaviour from the University of the West Indies (UWI). Her research focused on psycho-cultural factors affecting the adoption of appropriate agricultural technologies. “The outcomes of my study will help policymakers consider the trust factors of farmers when developing and implementing rural development programmes,” Williams Riley noted. Williams-Riley, also a Certified Neuro-Linguistics Programming Practitioner, Coach, and Practitioner of Timeline Therapy, aims to consult with international organizations to improve community development. Her professional experience includes serving as Agricultural Extension Officer, National Youth in Agriculture/School’s Agricultural Programme Coordinator, Training Manager, and Senior Director, Human Resource Management and Administration at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA). She currently holds the position of Human Resource Manager at a privately owned manufacturing and distribution company. She has gained professional experience in training, consultancy, management, and assessment. During her tenure with RADA, Mrs. Williams - Riley was crowned the Jamaica Agricultural Society’s (JAS) Clarendon Farm Queen and, subsequently, the National Farm Queen in 2001. As National Farm Queen, she represented Jamaica in Barbados as a Youth in Agriculture advocate. She has received other commendations, including the Tropical Farmers’ Almanac and The Agriculturalist Most Outstanding Student in Communication Award (CASE), National Staff Award 2010 for Initiative and Creativity (RADA), and a plaque for over three (3) years of service to the National Farm Queen Competition (2013) (JAS). Born in the Parish of St. Andrew, Jamaica, Mrs. Williams - Riley is the fifth child to parents Ivy and Joseph Williams. After completing her studies at Wolmer’s High School for Girls, she pursued an Associate of Science Degree in General Agriculture at the College of Agriculture, Science, and Education (CASE) in Portland. She was involved in clubs such as the Environmental Science Club, Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF), Beekeeping Club, CASE news, and the choir. Additionally, she also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business in Professional Management from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Workforce Education and

Michael Pryce

Sharlene Findley

Damian Rowe

fter serving some 43 years at the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries in various senior management positions, veteran agricultural statistician and Director of Agricultural Marketing Information Di-

vision, Michael Pryce is now on preretirement leave starting in September 2022. Senior Statistician, Sharlene Findley is currently acting in the post. • Chief Plant Quarantine Produce Inspector, Sanniel

Wilson Graham is seconded to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations effective Dec 2. Senior Plant Quarantine and SPS Enquiry Point Officer Damian Rowe will act in the post.

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Dr Bridgette Williams-Riley Industrial/organizational psychologist and agriculturalist

Development from the University of Technology, National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQ-J) in Assessment Level 4 from the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET) and has been awarded. Her publications include Agriculture: Educational Strategies to Create Wealth in the Caribbean (published with Co-Authors: Mr. Clement Branche and Dr. Keisha Mitchell of UWI in the International Journal of Education and Research Vol. 3 No. 10 October 2015) and presented a paper entitled An Evaluation of the Farmer-Training Programme in Jamaica: Opportunities for the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in training delivery and in farming activities at the Round Table discussions (Served as Round Table Chair) at the Nineteenth Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS), Chicago, Illinois, held August 15-17, 2013. Dr Williams-Riley is married to Jerome Riley, who is an Agricultural Specialist in the field of animal science.

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Edwards stepping down as president of JAMPRO

president AMPRO Diane Edwards has given notice that she will not be seeking to renew her contract, which ends on December 31, 2022. Edwards has opted to pursue other career opportunities after leading Jamaica's investment agency for nearly a decade.

Diane Edwards JAMPRO president

She was installed as president in July 2013. Chair of JAMPRO, Melanie Subratie, says over the next three months, every effort will be made to source the best talent for the post of JAMPRO president.

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Under the distinguished patronage of the Governor General of Jamaica His Excellency the Most Hon Sir Patrick Allen

to be held

Medallion Hall Hotel, Kingston 6 on

Saturday January 14, 2023, at 5:30 pm Guest Speaker: Hon Pearnel Charles, Jr Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries —————————————————

For Reservation & Information 876-909-0770, 876-923-7471 or 718-753-9469. In association with

Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries

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Jamaican-born Council member from the City of Yonkers, Shanae Williams (left), presents a proclamation and citation of honor to Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries Pearnel Charles Jr, who the Council recognizes for his contribution to the development in Jamaica. Karren Dunkley, Jamaica Diaspora Representative - North East, looks on. The presentation occurred on Nov 12, 2022, during the Minister's three-day tour of New York City.

City of Yonkers honors Minister Charles

• City of Yonkers, New York, declares Nov 12, 2022 as Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr Day By Kimmy Blair The Agriculturalist Writer

Yonkers, New York, USA inister of Agriculture & Fisheries, Pearnel Charles Jr, has been honoured with a proclamation that declared November 12, 2022, to be Pearnel Charles Jr Day in the City of Yonkers, in recognition of his extensive service and leadership. The proclamation by Mayor Spano stated, “The City of Yonkers raises its voice in tribute to the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr, an individual who has dedicated his life to public service and we express our gratitude to him for all he has done to make his country a better place for all its residents.” The City Council recognised the Minister as a leader in Jamaica who gives his time and expertise towards enriching the lives of so many whether it is through cul-

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tural, social or religious good works. The proclamation was delivered by Jamaican-born City of Yonkers Council member, Shanae Williams, who presented the official document from Mayor Mike. Additionally, the City Council in a signed declaration of acknowledgment recognised Minister Charles Jr for his contribution and saluted his leadership in various ministries. Williams made the presentation during a town hall meeting held at the Jamaican Consulate in New York under the theme 'Food Security - The Jamaican perspective'. The Consul General and members of the diaspora were updated on Jamaica's food security plan 'Grow Smart, Eat Smart'. Expressing his gratitude at the proclamation, Charles Jr said, "I am grateful and definitely encouraged to continue to serve our people. I feel blessed and ready to do even more.”

Jamaican Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries Pearnel Charles, Jr. accepts a UZI High Power Megaphone from Tashina Williams (c) during a recent reception held in Brooklyn, New York, USA., in honor of the minister. Journalist Michael Wattkis looks on.

Minister Charles Jr was on an official three-day tour in New York to promote investment opportunities in Jamaica’s agriculture sector and meet with food importers, processors, and consumers.

The tour was organised by the publisher of The Agriculturalist, Patrick Maitland, in association with JAMPRO, the Consulate General of Jamaica-NY, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, and Farm Up Jamaica.

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OV - DEC 2022 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 13

Ag Minister takes his food security campaign to the US diaspora By Patrick Maitland The Agriculturalist Writer

New York City, USA amaican Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries Pearnel Charles, Jr., took his "Grow Smart, Eat Smart" campaign to the Jamaican diaspora community in New York City, during a three-day tour, Nov. 11-13, 2022. Under the theme "Food Security-The Jamaican Perspective," the tour was hosted by The Agriculturalist Newspaper in association with Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), the Consulate General of Jamaica-NY, the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, and Farm Up Jamaica. According to the chairman of the organizing committee and publisher of The Agriculturalist, Patrick Maitland, the threeday tour promoted investment opportunities in Jamaican agriculture, while Minister Charles met with food importers, processors, and consumers. Minister Charles participated in a breakfast meeting with top importers of Jamaican produce, at the Simpson Restaurant in Brooklyn, followed by a tour of the Golden Krust's manufacturing facilities in the Bronx. There was also a town hall meeting with members of the Jamaican diaspora community. Minister Charles toured the Caribbean Depot/Gitto Farmers Market in Brooklyn and Sam's Caribbean Marketplace in Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead. He also served as the guest speaker at Panash restaurant's 8th Annual Fundraising Gala at Jamaica Runway Café in Queens. Under the theme "We Are Stronger Together," the fundraising gala aims to support youth empowerment initiatives to stop gun violence and features various performances, awards, and fashionable auctions. Charles Jr. was among the VIP guests attending the Blue and Bougie. This elite, upscale, Jamaican chic party series came alive on Nov 13 with pulsating music at the posh Greentree Country Club in New Rochelle, New York.

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Patty tasting (l-r) Omar Hawthorne - Director, Franchise Development & Community Affairs, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill; Jacques Graham, CEO JamaicanFood.com and Pearnel Charles, Jr., Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries.

Minister Pearnel Charles, Jr. and Offendel Lancelot, Managing Partner of Caribbean Depot, pose with canned ackee imported from Jamaica.

Bihari Lall, Shane Angus, Jampro, and Minister Pearnel Charles, Jr. pose with vacuum-packed roasted Jamaican breadfruit.

Pearnel Charles, Jr., Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries (5th l), poses with importers of Jamaican produce, including Garfield Wallace, Veronika Abori Mappoe; Bihari Lall; Oswald Reid, and Bihari Lall.

The Agriculturalist publisher Patrick Maitland; Roshelle Lewis, Jampro; Shane Angus, Jampro and Chef Patrick Simpson.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Bird flu kills close to a record number of poultry in the U.S. A

By FERN's Ag Insider www.agriculture.com

record 50.54 million birds in domestic flocks have died of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or were culled to prevent spread of the viral disease since February, according to USDA data. The previous record of approximately 50.4 million birds was set in the 2014-2015 outbreak that was described by the USDA as “arguably the most significant animal health event in U.S. history.” The outbreaks have driven up egg and turkey meat prices. But supplies have remained adequate and trading partners have been restrained in their responses. Only five nations have banned imports of U.S. poultry products and seven have imposed bans on products from specific states. By comparison, in the 2014-15 outbreak, 17 trading partners banned U.S. poultry products and 38 imposed bans on products from particular states, said USDA analysts in mid-November. Europe also has grappled with widespread bird flu outbreaks this year.

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Outbreaks were reported in 46 states so far this year, more than double the 21 states affected in 2014-15. The 2014-15 outbreaks died out during the summer of 2015. This year, outbreaks continued at a low level through the summer and picked

up in the fall. In the past week, officials confirmed bird flu in six flocks, from Florida to Oregon and South Dakota, totaling 87,000 birds, mostly turkeys in South Dakota.

New report predicts more stable fertilizer markets for 2023 By Kacey Birchmier Successful Farming Staff new Rabobank report finds fertilizer consumption may improve in some regions in 2023 as prices decline and commodity prices are at historically high levels. When geopolitics meets fertilizer markets, things get bumpy for fertilizers. That is exactly what has happened over the past two years, with tensions peaking after the invasion of Ukraine. But for 2023, expect things to settle somewhat, says Bruno Fonseca, senior analyst, farm inputs at Rabobank. “Price movements during these past months have borne a resemblance to those of certain periods in the past," Fonseca says. "History repeats itself. That becomes more evident when we explore historical trends in the affordability index over time.” The affordability index shows the relative price of a basket of commodities in comparison to a basket of fertilizer. Current price trends and volatility are in line with a threeyear cycle of peaks. If history is to be believed, especially trends observed following the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, then prices should come down in the coming months. “The index’s moving average is trending lower, as fertilizer prices are returning to pre-war levels," Fonseca says. "For the next three months, the index will continue to trend downward but remain above normal. The key point of attention is on nitrogen products, as the natural gas crisis in Europe has the potential to make urea and ammonia more expensive and, therefore, to keep the index at a high level.”

Agriculture can help reduce poverty, raise incomes

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The nitrogen-based fertilizer market is the most volatile among all fertilizers due to its intrinsic connection with oil and natural gas markets. Thus, as those commodities become more volatile, urea and ammonia prices are expected to go with the tide. The 2022 annualized volatility of urea prices up to mid-October was above 60%, three times more than the five-year average. As long as the natural gas crisis in Europe lasts, volatility in the nitrogen-based fertilizer market will persist, with weeks of stronger demand pushing prices higher and weaker weeks pushing prices lower. Phosphate fertilizer prices are trending lower, as demand was destroyed by the high prices observed this year. Still, high production costs should prevent big decreases in

prices. Logistics remains a risk, as does adverse weather affecting application windows. These factors could deliver material volatility in the otherwise quiet market. The spike in the potash market destroyed demand. Now, prices are moving lower to regain that demand. The continuation of exports from Belarus and Russia is resulting in a rearrangement of global supply, further pressuring prices. The high commodity prices of the past two years have given producers outstanding returns and strong working capital positions. Higher input costs mean producers’ margins will be lower in the 2023 growing season than in the past two years, but margins will still be positive.

ealthy, sustainable and inclusive food systems are critical to achieve the world’s development goals. Agricultural development is one of the most powerful tools to end extreme poverty, boost shared prosperity, and feed a projected 9.7 billion people by 2050. Growth in the agriculture sector is two to four times more effective in raising incomes among the poorest compared to other sectors. Agriculture is also crucial to economic growth: accounting for 4% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and in some least developing countries, it can account for more than 25% of GDP. But agriculture-driven growth, poverty reduction, and food security are at risk: Multiple shocks – from COVID19 related disruptions to extreme weather, pests, and conflicts – are impacting food systems, resulting in higher food prices and growing hunger. The war in Ukraine has triggered a global food crisis that is driving millions more into extreme poverty. The World Bank is making up to $30 billion available as part of a global response to the food crisis. Accelerating climate change could further cut crop yields, especially in the world’s most food-insecure regions. Agriculture, forestry, and land use change are responsible for about 25% of greenhouse gas emissions. Mitigation in the agriculture sector is part of the solution to climate change. Current food systems also threaten the health of people and the planet and generate unsustainable levels of pollution and waste. One third of food produced globally is either lost or wasted. Addressing food loss and waste is critical to improving food and nutrition security, as well as helping to meet climate goals and reduce stress on the environment. Risks associated with poor diets are also the leading cause of death worldwide. Millions of people are either not eating enough or eating the wrong types of food, resulting in a double burden of malnutrition that can lead to illnesses and health crises. A 2021 report found that between 720 and 811 million people went hungry in 2020, more than 10% of the world's population. Food insecurity can worsen diet quality and increase the risk of various forms of malnutrition, potentially leading to undernutrition as well as people being overweight and obese. An estimated 3 billion people in the world cannot afford a healthy diet. Source: worldbank.org

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Inaugural ‘Many Moods of Tilapia’ Cooking Competition Winner Crowned one reason why tourists come here, is our food,” he stated. Commenting on her winning dish, Mrs. Gooden-Petrie said, “I know tilapia and I’ve used it before.” “It’s a freshwater fish. So steaming it allowed me to bring out all the flavours,”

Inaugural ‘Many Moods of Tilapia’ cooking competition winner, SashaKay Gooden-Petrie, prepares coconut callaloo steamed tilapia and bammy during the Eat Jamaican Day Expo at Devon House on November 25. BY: MICKELLA ANDERSON, JIS

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ntrepreneur, Sasha-Kay GoodenPetrie, is the winner of the National Fisheries Authority’s (NFA) inaugural ‘Many Moods of Tilapia’ cooking competition. Gooden-Petrie, whose coconut callaloo steamed tilapia and bammy bites wowed the judges, was presented with her prizes during the Eat Jamaican Day Expo at Devon House in Kingston on November 25. These included, among other things, $100,000 from main sponsor, Rainforest Caribbean. Mrs. Gooden-Petrie owns and operates Ambrosial Catering Jamaica. First runner-up was Immaculate Conception High’s Shelly Deng and her schoolmates, whose plantain stuffed deep fried tilapia landed them a $30,000 Hi-Lo Food Stores gift voucher compliments of Grace Foods. Second runner-up, Camelia Thompson, was awarded $25,000 courtesy of Nestlé, for her tilapia and eggplant feast. The top three finishers also received gift baskets courtesy of Musson Jamaica Limited and goodie bags from Rainforest Caribbean. All of the contestants were presented with trophies sponsored by EasiSpice Manufacturers Limited and Spur Tree Spices Jamaica Limited. The competition’s final round, which took place during the expo, saw the top five contestants participating in a cook-off. Judges – Bernetta Kerr, Alicia Fulton, Jacqui Tyson, and Ricardo Hepkins, assessed the finalists’ entries for taste, presentation, use of tilapia and local seasonings, creativity, and sanitation. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., who visited the cooking zone while the contestants showcased their creations, pointed out that “the reality is, if you grow up in Jamaica, you understand how good our food tastes.” “We, in Jamaica, have a gift; we have assets that the world wants. The number

she indicated. The NFA’s Senior Director for Corporate Services, Angela Patterson, said she was “particularly pleased” about Mrs. Gooden-Petrie’s success, noting that “she won using good old Jamaican stuff – coconut, callaloo [and] bammy.”

The ‘Many Moods of Tilapia’ cooking competition was launched in September, with the aim of attracting the best tilapiabased recipes that portray the popular fish’s versatility. A total of 21 entries were received from 16 contestants.

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NIC seeks to make agriculture attractive to young Jamaicans M BY: OKOYE HENRY odern technologies and emerging opportunities are at the forefront of the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) drive to make agriculture attractive to the next generation of young Jamaicans. The NIC, an agency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, recently took part in the Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival, held at Minard Estate in Brown’s Town, St. Ann. On display by the entity was a functioning irrigation model that demonstrated to onlookers, particularly the youth, the modern workings of irrigation systems and the various methods that can be employed. The model came equipped with workable features such as drips, solar panels, a greenhouse and windmill, among others. In an interview with JIS News, NIC’s Public Relations Specialist, Christine Forbes, argued that as the country’s primary provider of irrigation services, the entity recognises the value of capturing the attention of youngsters, on whom the sector’s future is dependent. “It (the model) shows them from the source where we get the water, whether it be from a river, from underground wells, and it shows them the different types of irrigation systems, whether it’s sprinkler or drip, and it also shows the different types of crop farming. So basically, we’re showing them on one model what we’re about and how we operate,” Ms. Forbes outlined. “We want to expose them to agriculture, to know that this is the way to go. This is the way to go to ensure food security for the future and also to use cleaner energy in the pro-

Students from various schools look on as Acting Commercial Manager at the National Irrigation Commission, Kenroy Hare, outlines the workings of an irrigation model on display during the Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival at Minard Estate, in Brown’s Town, St. Ann, recently. PHOTO: OKOYE HENRY

duction of water and agricultural systems to ensure that we are safeguarding the environment at the same time,” she added. Forbes further noted that the NIC’s exhibition was also focused on sensitising youngsters on the different career paths that are available in the local agricultural sector, adding that too often the youth is of the view

that agriculture is strictly about down in the mud farming, when in fact the sector incorporates other careers. “So, we say to them, this is not just about farming. You can be an engineer, a lawyer, a communication specialist, an IT engineer, accountant, and the list goes on,” she said.

The Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival was held under the theme ‘Smart Livestock Production: Safer, Cleaner, Better’, through a partnership among Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB), Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Cattle Breeders Society of Jamaica, Agro-Investment Corporation, Nutramix and Discovery Bauxite.

Four CASE students get Rio Tinto/ Alcan Legacy Fund Agriculture scholarship WRITTEN BY: CHRIS PATTERSON our students from the parishes of St. Ann and Manchester are this year’s recipients of the Rio Tinto/Alcan Legacy Fund Agriculture Scholarship. The students, who are pursuing studies at the Portland-based College of Agriculture Science and Education (CASE), are Tomai McLean; Celine Sitladeen; Daunja Galloway and Vanessa McMurrine. The awards, totalling more than $2.7 million, cover the cost of tuition, boarding, meals, among other education-related expenses. Minister of Transport and Mining, Audley Shaw, congratulated the scholarship recipients in his address at the handover ceremony held at the Ministry’s Maxfield Avenue offices in St. Andrew on October 13. He charged the students, as they proceed in their studies and eventual careers, to “forge strategic partnerships with larger ecosystem players to find innovative ways to contribute to the advancement of agriculture, particularly through the rehabilitation of mined-out bauxite lands. An incredible gem lies here, and it would be irresponsible not to capitalise on the opportunities”. Minister Shaw said that the scholarship programme underscores the commitment of the Ministry and the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) to enhancing baux-

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Minister of Transport and Mining, Audley Shaw (centre), participates in the handover of a cheque valued at more than $2.7 million to four students who are pursuing studies at the Portland-based College of Agriculture Science and Education (CASE). Occasion was the presentation of the Rio Tinto/Alcan Legacy Fund Agriculture Scholarship at the Ministry in Kingston on October 13. The students are Tamoi McLean (second left); Daunja Galloway (third left) and Celine Sitladeen (third right). Absent is Vanessa McMurrine. Sharing in the presentation are Acting General Manager, Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI), Joan Thomas Levy (left); Chairman, Rio Tinto/Alcan Legacy Fund Board, Sherene Golding Campbell (second right); and Principal Director, Mining/Minerals (Acting) in the Ministry, Suresh Bhalai (right). In the background are Director of Bauxite Lands, Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI), Kemoy Lindsay; and Programme Executioner, Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ, Pamela Nesbeth. -PHOTO MARK BELL

ite communities through the productive use of mined-out bauxite lands. “The relationship between mining and farming should be a strong one, especially in a country such as Jamaica where the two disciplines are so intrinsically linked to our economic well-being,” the Minister noted.

Chairman of the Rio Tinto/Alcan Legacy Fund Board, Sherene Golding Campbell, said she is pleased that the Fund is achieving its mandate and providing assistance to those in need. “I hope that we might see one or two of you in future years,” she told the stu-

dents. “The Fund is strong; it’s doing well, and we are very, very pleased that it can do the work that it was set out to do, which is to benefit agriculture education in those select parishes and also to provide loan guarantees to small and micro farmers,” she said.

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Jamaica Jam aica Ag Agricult ricultural ural Commo Commodi diti ties es Regulatory Au Authori hority ty (JACRA) (JACRA) ccelebrates elebrates the the Success Suc cess of its its Q Grader Certif Certified ied Staff Staff Achiev Achieveme ement nt JACRA now has three (3) Staff Members who are Q Grader Certified under the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) with Q Arabica Proficiency in the Q COFFEE SYSTEM

Left to Right: Tracey-Ann Francis – Manager Quality Assurance, Standards & Certification, Hervin A. Willis – Snr. Director, Coffee Division, Tiffany Hedge-Ross – Research Officer

Our newly certified Q Graders are the first to be certified in the Jamaican Coffee Industry and represent over 60 cumulative years of organoleptic\sensorial assessment expertise for coffee in Jamaica. Q Graders are internationally recognized professionals in quality evaluation of Coffee.

The importance of this certification lies in the fact that it allows the cupper to be able to evaluate coffees universally in a standardized manner according to the Specialty Coffee Association. A Q Grader Certification is the most respected award for persons involved in the sensorial analysis within the local and international coffee industry. Being a certified coffee Q Grader is an indication that the individual is qualified to test, comment on and rate coffee worldwide. A Q Grader Licence is valid for a thirty-six (36) month period, commencing on the month after the Q Grader’s successful completion of all of the Q Grader Certification tests. At the end of the thirty-six (36) month period, a Q Grader must pass the Calibration Testing in order to maintain a valid licence and remain certified.

JACRA has consistently built on the legacy of the Coffee Industry Board (CIB) of Jamaica which had since 1954 provided Training for its Cuppers in overseas and local venues in Cup Assessment for coffee. The then CIB maintained a firm and consistent cupping standard to certify all green coffee for export and coffee for domestic consumption over all those decades. During 2004 when CIB became ISO 9001:2000 Certified, the Cupping Assessment System was transformed into an Electronic Cupping Assessment System. With JACRA now having personnel with Q Grader Certification, we will now transition to a hybrid version of our Cupping Assessment System that will be customized to suit our different grades and varieties of coffee for export and domestic use. This approach, we know, is consistent with our inherent drive for continual improvement under our current ISO 9001:2015 Certification..

The Man Managemen agementt and Staff Staff Celebrates Celebrates this this great great achieveachievementt wi men with th you you – Internationally Internat ionally recognized Standards and Quality Quality is our Mantra.

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Regulations gazetted for import and export of cannabis T

he Dangerous Drugs (Cannabis Import, Export, Transit and Transhipment) Regulations will govern the transit and transshipment of medical cannabis to and from other countries that are also signatories to international drug conventions. Industry Minister Aubyn Hill, whose portfolio also includes the Cannabis Licensing Authority, says this positions Jamaica to take advantage of a lucrative market. He says over the last four years, the interim arrangements facilitated 176 export authorisations.

That is expected to increase with the new regulations, with even more value-added applications of cannabis for therapeutic means, and as more countries legalise or decriminalise cannabis. This could provide more foreign exchange earning opportunities for Jamaica. Jamaica authorised its first legal transshipment of cannabis in February this year, where a consignment of cannabis was moved from St. Vincent and the Grenadines through Jamaica to Germany. Industry Minister Aubyn Hill

Golding pledges to weed out inequities in local ganja industry P

eople's National Party (PNP) President and Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, has lambasted the Government for its purported failures to deliver several promises on the economic and crime fronts. In rallying Comrades and citizens of Jamaica to join forces with the PNP to form the next Government, Golding highlighted several social and economic initiatives that his party will be bringing to the table to rescue the country. Among the proposed solutions are greater focus on agriculture, as well as the local ganja industry, where under a PNP Government, home-based ganja production is to be facilitated. Golding, in his address at the party's 84th annual conference at the National Arena recently, said Jamaicans' economic outlooks are dim, and argued that the masses are struggling to make ends meet. d. The Opposition leader argued that for the country to have a hopeful future, there must be "radical change for the better" across several industries, such as the ganja industry. Golding lamented the need for the country to move beyond the decriminalisation of marijuana, which he said he "championed" and made a reality under the last PNP Administration. He elaborated that, "The potential of this industry is vast, but the Government

Mark Golding People's National Party President and Opposition Leader

does not seem to understand or believe in it. "Time come to proactively empower and include small farmers in the ganja industry... We must give them a chance to be part of the industry... so that they can make money for this country and for themselves," he stressed. Under a PNP Administration, Golding said home-based ganja production will be facilitated and integrated with licensed processors.

"We will lower the bar for small farmers to come into the formal industry. We will incentivise commercial and knowledge sharing relationships with the well capitalised processors to achieve win-win outcomes for large and small producers," Golding promised. "We will aggressively pursue export markets for quality Jamaican medicinal ganja, and we will legislate to create a comprehensive, lawful, ganja-based economy for the Rastafari community and the Maroons. They must be liberated to use and produce the ganja that they use as their sacrament," he added. A PNP-led Government, said Golding, will also focus on reviving and expanding the People's Co-operative Bank to provide flexible credit so that small farmers can expand their production. Currently, he alleged that many small farmers are "bawling for credit and can't get it". Continuing, he said: "We will ensure that Jamaica's remaining arable lands are not misdirected into other uses, undermining the future of our people because they can't grow food. "We will encourage larger producers to partner with small farmers in production ecosystems, building relationships to transfer technology and improve the efficiency of our farmers."

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Cancer Pain Treatment Using Marijuana is Safe By Jessica Thomson/Newsweek USA: cientists have gathered evidence showing cannabis significantly improves the symptoms of cancer patients, with minimal side effects. In a paper published last week in the journal Frontiers in Pain Research, researchers from Israel stated that cannabis could be a promising alternative to the current standard opioid pain relief offered to cancer patients, which can cause addiction and other negative side effects. Medicinal cannabis use also has side effects, ranging from nausea and weakness to psychosis. However, as the paper says, "the adverse effects from cannabinoids for cancer treatment are generally well tolerated by the patients and categorized as mild to moderate." Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, which are the active ingredients in both medicinal cannabis and recreational marijuana. THC ((-)-?9trans-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive compound, while CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive and has long been thought to help with pain relief. Before this study, the authors state in the paper, research on the use of medicinal cannabis in pain relief was sparse, mostly small-scale studies. However, this paper used a comprehensive and large-scale cohort of 404 patients. In this study, patients were prescribed a dosage of medicinal cannabis by an oncologist, which was administered via two routes: inflorescences (for smoking or inhaling) and/or oil extracts (under the tongue). The initial dose given was 20 grams (0.7 ounces) a month regardless of how it was administered. Before starting treatment, the patients filled out questionnaires regarding their cancer treatment symptoms, which can include pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, increased disability, and negative effects on sexuality. At various points during the proceeding six months, the patients would do the questionnaires again, the results of which gave the researchers data on improvements or changes in these symptoms. In the paper, the authors say that most of the studied cancer comorbidities improved significantly during the 6 month period of medicinal cannabis treatment, with total cancer symptoms burden declining by a median of 18 percent, and average weekly pain intensity being reduced by a median of 20 percent.

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YOUNG FARMER

Young Pig Farmer Dreams of State-of-the-Art Facility T

BY: CHANEL SPENCE, JIS

wenty-four-year-old pig farmer Giovanni Morris dreams of establishing his own state-of-the-art-facility, which will integrate technology in the animal-rearing process. Currently, the Portland resident shares a farm in Boston Bay with mentor and business partner Seymour Duncan, which he says, needs improvement. “Whenever I reach a level where I can acquire the [farm] that I want, I want it to be completely indoors where I’ll be able to keep my animals cool, have proper waste management, proper air exchange management, and so forth. Hopefully, in the future, I can put that down,” he tells JIS News. Morris, who studies Construction Management at the University of Technology (UTech), says he intends to use the knowledge and skills gained from his studies to assist in the expansion and upgrade of the space he currently occupies, until he can establish the modern facility he desires. “We are planning to expand the facility that we’re using [because] it’s been there before I was born… but we try to take care of it as best as possible,” he notes. The young entrepreneur, who started farming less than two years ago, says he decided to focus on pig rearing to tap into the high demand for jerk pork in Boston Bay. He and his business partner also manufacture and sell jerk seasoning. Pig farmer, Giovanni Morris, cleans in pig pen in Boston Bay, Portland. Morris tells JIS News that there have been many challenges along the way, noting that proper waste management is the hardest part of his job. He says he must ensure that the “waste doesn’t become a nuisance to anybody, whether it is the smell or the spread of bacteria”. “[Pig-rearing is] a very delicate situation [and] we want to be able to produce the best product possible without disturbing the environment,” he points out. He adds that even though he lives in a farming community, “every farmer should be conscious and know that if they are going to farm it will affect [others]”. Proper access to water supply is also critical, Mr. Morris says, noting that infrastructure work being done in the parish is expected to improve access to the commodity. Morris, who was involved in party promotion befofre getting into farming, says he had to pivot due to the downturn in the staging of events consequent on COVID-19. “My friends and I were promoters [and] we were focused on keeping our annual event. Unfortunately, when the pandemic hit, we had to put that aside,” he notes. “So, I decided that I wanted to try something new, and that’s where I said, ‘I’m going to start raising some animals,

Twenty-Four-year-old pig farmer, Giovanni Morris, holds a jar of jerk seasoning that was produced by him and business partner, Seymour Duncan, in Boston Bay, Portland.

Pig farmer, Giovanni Morris, cleans in pig pen in Boston Bay, Portland.

A sow feeds her piglets on Giovanni Morris’ farm in Boston Bay, Portland.

seeing that I’m an animal lover,” he notes. He says that his friend, Everton Dennis, who is a student at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, walked him through the processes involved in operating a farm before he purchased his first animal. “He basically gave me a rundown of everything, and he said I should go ahead and try,” Mr. Morris tells JIS News. With the mentoring support from Mr. Duncan, who offered to share his farm, he learned the practicalities of animal rearing. “Every morning, Seymour would call me at 6:00. a.m. to go to the pen. He walked me through the whole process for

about two months… and I had to get used to the animals,” he points out. Morris tells JIS News that due to the demand of his studies and the farm-upgrade plans, he has reduced the number of pigs to five, but should be back in full production in January. A sow feeds her piglets on Giovanni Morris’ farm in Boston Bay, Portland. He says that the farming experience has been rewarding, so far, and has changed his outlook on life as well as enhanced his belief in the importance of agriculture. “I appreciate every type of farming because I think, going forward, we should

be looking into growing what we eat and producing our own food. It can only be better for us,” he says. Morris knows that his dream of a modern, technology-driven facility will not come overnight, but until that improvement comes, he says he remains committed to “doing it the hard way”. “Doing it the hard way [helps me to] appreciate the basics. So, when technology comes in, it’ll be much easier for me to integrate and to be able to produce more while doing less… and that’s the dream,” he says.

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PRODUCTS NEWS

Star Virucide: Newport-Fersan’s response to plant viruses

Leaf Roll Virus in Tomatoes

Watermelon Mosaic Virus

Yield comparision of Star Virucide Teated vs. Untreated plots 800

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ccording to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), farmers will have to produce an estimated 70% more food by 2050, in a quest to meet the needs of the world’s population, which is expected to be 9-billion-strong. It is welldocumented that plant virus infections account for an estimated $30 billion in global economic losses annually, and are linked to almost 50% of plant diseases worldwide, posing a real threat to global food security.

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The nature of Plant Viruses The two major components of each plant virus are the nucleic acid and the protein coat or capsid. A mature particle of a plant virus is generally called virion and its entire infective particle is referred to as Nucleocapsid. Plant Viruses are known to cause serious diseases in crops, resulting in a significant reduction in both the quality and quantity of final produce. It must also be noted that produce, impacted by viral infection(s) will have limited shelf life and increased serious post-harvest losses. Plants become infected whenever a virus enters and colonizes their system, resulting in vital changes in the plant’s cell structure, its metabolism and gene expression. Plant viruses generally have a degrading effect on the cell walls, disrupting cellular proteins and the endoplasmic reticulum. These internal alterations to the normal structure and processes within the plant, appear as symptoms (physical alterations in host plants due to pathogen infection). Some of the most common

Papaya Ring Spot Virus

Treated symptoms, while not limited to, include stunted growth, chlorosis, mosaic, and deformed leaves, with plants displaying no/low flowering.

Major Plant Viruses of Economic Importance: Papaya Ring Spot Virus, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Tomato Leaf Curl Virus, Pepper Leaf Curl Virus, Pepper Mosaic Virus, Squash Mosaic Virus, Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Leaf Roll Virus and Yellow Spot Viruses. It is important to note, that whilst a crop name is assigned to a particular virus, this virus has the potential to cause severe harm to other crops. For example, the Tobacco Mosaic Virus also affects crops such as peppers and tomatoes.

Transmission of Plant Viruses The transmission of plant viruses from plant to plant is generally achieved via one of the following modes:

Untreated • Transmission via vectors (insect, mite, nematode and fungus) • Transmission via vegetative propagation (cutting, budding, grafting, etc.) • Transmission via seed • Transmission via pollen • Mechanical transmission via plant sap

Best Management Practices — Plant Viruses Preventative measures should include: crop rotation, removal of crop residue, no smoking policy, good sanitation, controlling of susceptible weeds species, the use of disease-free planting material, use of resistant varieties, the use of seed and seedling Pre-Treatment: a cocktail of Star Virucide, Sucka Insecticide and the High Yield Package. Curative measures should include: a cocktail of Star Virucide, Sucka Insecticide

Summary •The chart shows that during December, 1,047 Kg of hot peppers were reaped from the treated plot compared to 694 Kg in the untreated plot; this represents a variance of 51.9%. •To date a total of 1,546 Kg has been harvested from the treated plot versus 972 Kg from the untreated plot. This represents an overall variance of 59%. •In summary, both the yield data, backed by the images below, clearly showed the profound impact that the application of Newport-Fersan’s Star Virucide had on the growth and productivity of thvirus-infecteded hot pepper field crop. FERSAN’s Star Virucide is designed to enter the stomatal openings and is translocated into the plant system through the vascular bundles. The STAR, on entering the affected plant cell, encapsulates the virion particles. It reduces the separation of the virus particles in protein and nuclei particles; once this is achieved, the absence of food causes the virus to become inactive. Star Virucide then opens the conductive tissues blocked by the movement of virus particles and the plant cells start to recover. For additional information, please contact our technical department at 9675815 extension 2226.

Agrochemicals Market is estimated to reach US$ 281.7 Bn by 2026 NEW YORK, USA: EINPresswire.com he Agrochemicals Market is a lucrative industry that is projected to experience significant growth over the next few years. Agrochemicals are chemical substances used in agricultural production and include fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and other products. These chemicals are essential for modern farming practices as they enhance crop yields, improve soil fertility, and protect crops from pests and diseases. At the conclusion of the forecast period, the worldwide agrochemicals market is anticipated to reach US$ 281.7 billion while expanding at a CAGR of 4.9%, in terms of value. The demand for agrochemicals in the global market is anticipated to in-

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crease as a result of factors including rising pesticide demand and rising consumption of agrochemicals in liquid form. The rising global population has led to increased demand for food production which is driving the Agrochemicals Market. Agrochemical manufacturers are focusing on developing innovative technologies such as biopesticides with reduced environmental impact and improved efficiency of pest control. Furthermore, increasing focus on soil health management by governments around the world is creating new revenue opportunities. Most of the fertilizers use Potassium, Nitrogen and Phosphate as essential ingredients. Pesticides are substances that are used to treat pests or other parasitic organ-

isms that may be harmful to crops. Many different types of pesticides, such as fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, bactericides and others, are used in agricultural farms. Soil conditioners are substances that are added to the soil to increase its ability to hold oxygen and water. On the basis of product type, Agrochemicals can be classified into fertilizers, pesticides and others. The Pesticides segment will dominate the Agrochemical market in terms of global market value share and is estimated to account for 74.3% of the total incremental $ opportunity created by the end of the forecast period. Key Players- • Bayer AG • YARA International ASA • BASF SE • Israel Chemicals Ltd. • Nutrien Ltd. • FMC Corporation • The

Mosaic Company • Fengro Industries Corp. • PhosAgro • DowDuPont Inc. • OCI N.V. • Fertilizantes Heringer S.A. • WinHarvest Pty Ltd • Syngenta AG• K+S KALI GmbH This report covers the sales volume, price, revenue, gross margin, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, intermediaries, customers, historical growth and future perspectives in the Agrochemicals Market. Get Full Access of this Report and Get Up to 20% Discount@ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/3150 Agrochemicals are used for several applications in the agriculture industry. For instance, agrichemicals are used to enhance crop yield in less cultivable lands. They help maintain the fertility of soil and enrich the crop ecosystem.

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RESEARCH Reed avocado breakthrough commercialised By Liam O'Callaghan ne of the biggest bottlenecks for avocado production could soon be a thing of the past with the signing of a licence agreement between The University of Queensland’s (UQ) commercialisation company UniQuest and Anderson Horticulture. UQ researchers have developed a world-first commercial-scale tissue culture propagation technology for Reed avocado rootstock. The tissue technology was developed at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation’s Centre for Horticultural Science by Neena Mitter and her team. Mitter said avocado orchard practices are moving quickly toward highdensity planting and this move would provide an important plant export opportunity for Australia. “Industry is very much in need of high-quality plants derived from the best performing trees, and this new deal is an exciting jump toward a sustainable long-term solution to meet the growing global demand for avocados,” Mitter said. “We only need a few buds to cleanly produce high volumes of plants throughout the year. “This method of sustainable propagation can produce more output with less input, and the clean nature of the process opens up new international and national business avenues.” UniQuest, chief executive, Dean Moss said innovation and technology like this breakthrough, would drive the future of sustainable global agriculture. “This UQ-developed agricultural technology highlights an innovative approach to finding sustainability, crop production and agronomy solutions,” Moss said. “I look forward to seeing this newly commercialised technology taken up across the world and know that the many avocado fans out there will too. In 2020–21, Australia produced just over 78,000 tonnes of the fruit, which had an estimated value of A$563m. Anderson Horticulture owner Graham Anderson said his company has been an active participant in and strong supporter of many short- and long-term government, educational and industry research programmes. “We are very excited to have been granted sole rights to produce the world’s first tissue culture avocado

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Reed avocados Source: Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation

rootstocks for Australia and for export markets, and I thank Mitter and her team for creating this opportunity for us,” Anderson said. “This is really the future of avocado propagation, and we are very excited to be the first in the world to step into this space.” The Australian Research Council and Advance Queensland-supported technology was developed with partners including Andersons Horticulture, Jasper Farms, Delroy Orchards and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

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