EU Sugar

VOL. 27 NO. 5 OCTOBER 2017 FREE COPY WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

Quota System
Comes to
an end
T
By European Commission
he very last agricultural quota
system in place, managing
sugar production in the EU, were
scrapped on September 30, after
nearly 50 years, part of a major
CAP reform and restructuring
process.
The sugar quota system was
introduced with the first Common
Lauren Agricultural Policy rules on sugar
Le Franc, in 1968, along with a support price
for producers set at a level signif-
a Jamaican icantly above the world market
entrepreneur price. The decision to end the
residing in
The end of the quota system
follows significant reform of the
sector. The very last agricultural
quota system in place, managing
sugar production in the European
Union, were scrapped on 30 Sep-
tember 2017, after nearly 50 years.
The decision to end the sugar
quotas now was agreed between
the European Parliament and
Member States in the 2013 reform
of the Common Agricultural pol-
icy (CAP) after a major reform
and restructuring process initiated
in 2006.
Continued on page 3

Jamaican Coffee Trader

quota system for sugar was taken
the United by EU Member States in 2006.
Kingdom

Wins Entrepreneur Awards

L
Kingston, Jamaica:
auren Le Franc, a Jamaican entrepreneur residing in the United Kingdom, has won
a graduate award from the City University of London to expand her already estab-
lished coffee business, J.A. Island Roasters. As part of her award package, Le Franc also
secured a location for her business at the University's Cass Business School, and she is
looking at commencing operations in the upcoming weeks. Continued on page 4
2 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2017 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

Slight
Toxicity

Ectoline
Spray
LARVICIDE SPRAY
HEALING & ANTIMICROBIAL

Always exercise caution

and wear proper safety
gear when handling,
Larvicide Spray, healing and
preparing and using
pesticides; keep out of
antimicrobial agent
reach of children. Refer to Active Ingredients: Fipronil,
Product Instructions for
correct usage. Silver Sulfadiazine, Aluminium

For preventing and treating screwworms.

Aids in preventing Myiasis in general wounds,
Available at Hi-Pro Farm Supplies and leading surgical wounds, eg. Castration, dehorning,
farm stores islandwide. peeling, branding, etc, also in cracks in hoofs,
Telephone: 984-7918/619-1302 and in treating calves navels.
The sad state of Jamaican agriculture
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
A significant setback for Jamaican
agriculture and food production is
perhaps a lack of reliable and up-to-date
information on various aspects of the in-
dustry. The Ministry of Industry, Com-
merce, Agriculture, and Fisheries
(MICAF) has a vibrant agricultural data
collection division that regularly captures
production data.
However, the Census of Agriculture
is often ignored.
The Census is the most powerful data
collection tool that helps to inform smart
decision-making by farmers and other
food producers. Data collected provides a
snapshot of the state of a countrys agri-
cultural sector -- from the size of hold-
ings, land tenure, land use, area harvested,
irrigation, livestock, labour and other
agricultural inputs.
Data from the Census also helps pol-
icy-makers shape programmes and initia-
tives that benefit both crops and livestock
farmers. It also helps farmers diversify
into new markets, including local and ex-
port food systems, specialty crops and or-
ganic production.
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 com-
ments or suggestions to editor@theagriculturalist.com. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all articles will be published.
EU Sugar
Quota System
Comes to an end
Continued from page 1
Between 2006 and 2010, the sugar
sector had been thoroughly restructured
with the support of 5.4 billion.
As a result, the sector has been able to
carefully prepare for this moment and pro-
ductivity has improved substantially over
the last years.
The end of the quota system gives
producers the possibility to adjust their
production to real commercial opportuni-
ties, notably in exploring new export mar-
kets.
It also significantly simplifies the cur-
rent policy management and administra-
tive burden for operators, growers and
traders. Phil Hogan, Commissioner for
Agriculture and Rural Development, said:
"The end of the quota system represents an
important turning point for our European
sugar sector and marks another important
step in the market orientation of the Com-
mon Agricultural Policy.
Producers will now have the opportu-
nity to expand their trade on global mar-
kets, and with the right policy supports
from the European Commission such as
the Sugar Market Observatory which pro-
vides timely and relevant market informa-
tion they should have every chance of
success. I am confident that, since the end
date for sugar quotas was decided, the in-
dustry has positioned itself well to benefit
from the opportunities which the end of
sugar quotas presents."
EDITORIAL
As such, it is the policy of Statistical
Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) and
MICAF to conduct the Census of Agri-
culture once every 10 years. The
last Census was done in 2007.
However, we are now in
the final quarter of 2017 and
there are no signs that
STATIN/MICAF will be
conducting another Census
soon.
After the 1978 Census, it
took government 18 years be-
fore another one was conducted
in 1996. That track record
speaks volumes.
In fact, the most recent
Census that was conducted in
2007 is still available only in
preliminary draft and a final re-
port is yet to be published.
Already the interval between
the Censuses of 10 years is too
long and should be reduced to five
years as in the case of the US, Canada,
Mexico and other countries with vibrant
agricultural industries.
Latin America and Caribbean are
falling off path to Zero Hunger by 2030
T
Santiago, Chile:
he total number of persons that suffer
from hunger in Latin America and the
Caribbean has increased, reversing decades of
progress, even as overweight and obesity
emerged as a major problem in all countries in
the region of the Americas, according to the
Panorama of Food Security and Nutrition in
Latin America and the Caribbean 2017, pub-
lished by the Food and Agriculture Organisa-
tion of the United Nations (FAO) and the Pan
American Health Organisation (PAHO).
In 2016, approximately 42.5 million per-
sons in the region did not have enough food
for their daily caloric needs, a 6 percent in-
crease equal to 2.4 million additional under-
nourished persons.
It will be very difficult for the region to
reach Sustainable Development Goal 2 on
eradicating hunger and malnutrition by 2030
if this trend does not change, said Julio
Berdegu, FAO Regional Representative.
While hunger levels in Latin America and
the Caribbean remain low in comparison to the
rest of the world, there are signs that the situ-
ation is getting worse, especially in South
America, where the prevalence of undernutri-
tion - a proxy for hunger - grew from 5% in
2015 to 5.6% in 2016. In Mesoamerica,
hunger affected 6.5% of the population in
2016. Although hunger has not increased in
the Caribbean, its prevalence is higher at
17.7%, with a peak at 47% in Haiti.
We are heading along a bad path. The
region has taken a significant step backwards
in a fight that it was winning. We cannot tol-
erate the current levels of hunger and obesity,
as they will paralyse an entire generation,
warned Berdegu.
How can Jamaica develop a healthy,
efficient or sustainable agricultural sec-
tor if our inventory and data collection
methods are unreliable?
In our opinion, Jamaica
does not have a fair idea as
to the size of its agriculture
and fishing industries, in-
cluding the acreage under
production, the number of
livestock and crops being
produced as well as the num-
ber and categories of farmers.
According to the PIOJ, in
2016 agriculture contributes 7% of
the GDP and employs 16.7% of the
labour force.
However, something is shame-
fully wrong with Jamaican farming
if a significant amount of the im-
ported food, which valued at almost
US$1 billion, could be produced lo-
cally, while exports struggle at
US$200 million during the past 15 years.
Only a few decades ago, governments of
the region joined forces to fight against acute
malnutrition, chronic malnutrition and mi-
cronutrient deficiency. Today they must also
fight against overweight and obesity.
The region faces a double burden of
malnutrition, said PAHO Director Carissa F.
Etienne. To fight against it, we must ensure
access to a balanced diet and tackle the pri-
mary social factors that cause malnutrition,
such as, the lack of access to healthy foods that
are low in sugar, salt and fat, to water and san-
itation, to education and health services and to
social protection programmes, amongst oth-
ers.
FAO and PAHO call on countries to
transform their food systems, paying special
attention to the condition of the most vulnera-
ble people, households and territories, and say
it will take a great regional effort can the cur-
rent trend be reversed and put Latin America
and the Caribbean back on the path that made
the region a global example of the fight against
hunger and malnutrition.
Hunger rates declined in 21 of the 27
countries of the region, including the
Caribbean and Mesoamerican as a whole, be-
tween 2013/2015 and 2014/2016. In Brazil,
Cuba and Uruguay, the prevalence of under-
nourishment is less than 2.5%, while in Ar-
gentina, Barbados, Chile, Mexico and
Trinidad and Tobago it is below 5%. Still, the
absolute number of people suffering from
hunger increased.
Overweight and obesity affect all age
groups in men and women, and is a public
health problem in all countries of the Ameri-
cas, the report notes.
OCTOBER 2017 THE AGRICULTURALIST 3
Perhaps we honestly don't know
what is available on the grounds.
We could, therefore, be importing
tons of fruits and vegetables while farm-
ers in St Elizabeth can't find a reliable
market for their produce.
Jamaica perhaps needs to pay more
attention to the Food and Agriculture Or-
ganizations (FAO) new set of guidelines
that involves some developments taking
into account the changing nature of data
use and collection.
According to FAO, the latest data
collection technologies have been in-
cluded to drastically reduce the time lag
between data collection and data analy-
sis.
Data collection and management are
the hallmarks of every successful indus-
try and agriculture is no different.
Patrick Maitland
Publisher & Editor
patrick@theagriculturalist.com
Some 7.5% of those under the age of 5 in
South America, or 2.5 million children, suffer
from overweight and obesity, as do 6% of the
children in Central America and 6.9% of those
in the Caribbean. The rate increases with age,
affecting a third of the adolescents and two
thirds of the adults in the region, with women
being the most affected.
The problem is growing in scale to catch
up with the regions 11% rate of child stunt-
ing due to chronic malnutrition. Acute malnu-
trition has been practically eliminated from
children in the region.
Nowadays, it is easy to find homes with
one malnourished child and an overweight
mother, or a chronically malnourished and
overweight child or one with a vitamin and
mineral deficiency, Etienne stated.
Publisher & Editor:
Patrick Maitland
Consulting Editors:
Vincent Wright, Jairzenho Bailey
Produced & Published by:
Agri Life Foundation Ltd
AMC Complex,
188 Spanish Town Road,
Kingston 11, Jamaica, W.I.
Tel: (876) 923-7471 923-7428
agriculturalist@gmail.com
editor@theagriculturalist.com
www.theagriculturalist.com
 NEWS
4 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2017 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

Jamaican
Coffee Trader
Wins Awards
Continued from page 1
Le Franc, a qualified barrister of Eng-
land and Wales who first set up the com-
pany in Jamaica in 2011 while completing
her legal education, has been focused on
selling roasted coffee through J.A. Island
Roasters under the brand True Blue 100
percent Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.
With this award, she is looking for-
ward to importing organic and non-organic
Jamaican green beans to the U.K. from the
world-famous Blue Mountains. She said
the award package also covers operational
costs and comes with mentorship and sup-
port from the university.
"I'm elated to have such an amazing
opportunity to expand my business and to
take brand Jamaica a step further into the
spotlight," said Le Franc.

FERTILIZERS FOR COFFEE FARMERS:

In 2014, J.A. Island Roasters received
approval from the Certification of Envi-
ronmental Standards (CERES) -- an inter- Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Karl Samuda (4th l), looks on as Managing Director, Newport Fer-
national organization which offers san, Dennis Valdez (5th l) hands over a bag of fertilizer to (l-r) coffee farmers Stafford Brooks, Odia Bruce and Will Frazer,
certification for organic farming and food

Samuda pledges $80M to support coffee farmers

at the Ministrys New Kingston offices, on Tuesday, October 3, 2017. Occasion was a media briefing to update farmers and
processing -- to maintain good practices in the country on developments in the coffee industry.
the food industry. She then received ap-
proval from the Coffee Industry Board to

export organic certified Jamaican Blue
Mountain green bean coffee.
Although she found favour for her
roasted coffee in the Asian market, she was
in search of additional opportunities for de-
velopment when she came across the City
University of Londons Entrepreneur Grad-
uate Scheme competition in 2016. Her big
break came when she decided to partici-
pate.
Le Franc, along with 30 other com-
petitors, delivered a business pitch to a
panel of judges on a platform similar to re-
ality shows such as Dragons Den and
Shark Tank. Her practical presentation
led to her victory in the competition, which
M
KINGSTON:
inister of Industry, Commerce, Agri-
culture and Fisheries, Karl Samuda,
has pledged continued support to coffee
farmers in Jamaica, in an effort to see the
sector grow.
The Minister disclosed that, the Gov-
ernment, through the Ministry, will be allo-
cating J$80 million from the Productivity
Incentive Programme for coffee farmers to-
wards the purchase of inputs such as fertil-
izers and fungicides, in order to increase
ported at all levels. This is our first attempt
their level of productivity.
to support them. Anything to move the cof-
The Minister was speaking at a press
briefing where he provided an update on the
advised on the way forward, at his New
Kingston offices on October 3.
According to Minister Samuda, given
the increased production and lower prices
being offered for coffee this year to farm-
ers, they will be hard-pressed to produce the
required quantities of inputs necessary to se-
cure next years production.
Under these circumstances, we have
to provide the necessary support to ease the
current challenges being faced by our cof-
fee farmers. Every farmer must be sup-
enacted JACRA Regulations, a cess will be
fee industry forward, we are prepared to do
duction of high mountain and lowland cof-
fee. The objective will be to ensure that the
coffee produced in Jamaica, blended or
pure, is born of Jamaican soil, grown right
here in Jamaica. This business of being de-
pendent on imported cheap coffee beans,
which are then blended with our rich Blue
Mountain has to come to an end, and we
must work towards that objective, he said.
The Minister also added that the goal is
the eventual stop to importation of green
beans into the island.
He informed hat under the soon-to-be
placed on imported roasted coffee beans,

Coffee farmers upset about

now allows her to set up the London branch so, the Minister stated. which will be implemented as soon as the
developments in the coffee industry, ad-
of her offices and receive support from the What we want is a coffee industry. regulations are completed.
dressed concerns of the coffee farmers, and
University and interested investors. What we want to do is to increase the pro-
This win is a great step for the Ja-

price paid for the commodity

maican organic coffee industry and a testa-
ment to the hard work I have put in over the
years, said Le Franc, explaining that her
business idea was based on a social-enter-
prise model which focuses on donating a
percentage of the profits from sales to help

the local farmers. It was important for me
to give back and one of the main problems
is that small farmers are being squeezed
out of the industry. It is my view that if
these communities dont develop, the in-
dustry will not grow.
Gusland McCook, Acting Director of
Coffee Industry Board, gave a full en-
dorsement of Le Franc, adding that she has
done well with the development of her
brand, True Blue 100% Jamaican Blue
Mountain Coffee. "It is good to see Lauren
as a young entrepreneur capitalizing on the
unique opportunity presented by Jamaica
Blue Mountain coffee, using her resources
to build her brand, and simultaneously
highlighting brand Jamaica in the interna-
tional spotlight," said McCook.
R
ipe coffee is dropping from
trees in the Jamaica Blue
Mountains with only one of 18
processors now purchasing sup-
plies from farmers.
And that one buyer, Mavis
Bank Coffee Factory, has re-
duced its purchases to once a
week from the usual five days.
Norman Grant, CEO of
Mavis Bank Coffee and presi-
dent of the Jamaica Agricultural
Society (JAS), recently faced
angry coffee farmers who are
upset about the price being paid
for the commodity.
Coffee & JAS president
They demanded answers
from Mr. Grant who spoke at a
news conference called by the
Agriculture Ministry. The farm-
ers, who had previously ex-
pressed frustration with the
coffee industry, said the price
being paid for coffee is too low.
The Agriculture Ministry on
Tuesday morning announced
that a major buyer in Japan could
no longer afford to purchase
Blue Mountain coffee for US$60
per kilogramme.
Norman Grant But the farmers have said
CEO of Mavis Bank they cannot continue to operate
in limbo.
Still, Grant has urged them
to be patient.
"We are doing our endeavor
best (sic) to close at a price that
makes it viable for the farmers,
the market and the processors.
But if the market insists that we
will not buy at that particular
price, then the process of re-en-
gagement has to take place," he
declared.
The Government, in the
meantime, has committed to al-
locating $80 million from the
Productivity Incentive Pro-
gramme to assist the coffee
farmers.
 NEWS
JAS membership plunged by 50%
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2017 THE AGRICULTURALIST 5

T
By Patrik Maitland
Editor - The Agriculturalist
he reestablishment of the Producers
Marketing Organization (PMO) has
been blamed for the almost 50% decline
in paid-up membership dues for the Ja-
maica Agricultural Society (JAS) during
the year 2016-2017.
According to the JAS annual report
of 2016-2017, the organizations effort
to get farmers to pay their membership
emergence of the PMO whose registra-
tion is free, thus affecting our ability to
re-affiliate members.
As of March 2017, JAS paid-up
membership stood at 2,316 compared
with 4,389 at the end of the 2016 period.
St Catherine recorded the highest mem-
bership with 443, while Westmoreland
plunged from 229 to only 31 members.
St Elizabeth with 82, Trelawney, 86, St.
James, 79, and St. Thomas, 92, recorded
the end of the period under review.
The Societys overall revenue
jumped to $104.3 million as a result of
an estimated $9 million each in subven-
tions/grants from Government and sur-
plus from self-financing activities. The
Government contribution of $88.7 mil-
lion remained the most significant con-
tributor's to the JAS revenue. The JAS
recorded a net surplus of $2.6 million,
reversing the $8.1 million in losses
The JAS reports also revealed that
the 2016 Denbigh Show recorded a sur-
plus of $10.57 million compared to the
$6.52 million in 2015.
Twenty-three directors and members
of the JAS board of management re-
ceived $2.21 million as traveling al-
lowance, while president Norman Grant
was paid $1.06 million to cover hono-
raria, board fee, and travel expenses dur-
ing the period ending March 2016.

Jamaica Broilers buys a second hatchery in the US

dues were severely impacted by the re- a significant decline in membership at recorded in the previous financial year.

J amaica Broilers Group has acquired

a second hatchery in the United
States, which is expected to grow its
hatching capacity by 40 percent.
Previously operating as Bell &
Evans Hatchery, in Big Valley, Pennsyl-
vania, the new facility will be renamed
International Poultry Breeders Hatchery
Inc.
The acquisition was effective on
October 4, 2017.
In making the announcement,
CEO of the Jamaica Broilers Group,
said the investment was made primarily
to enable the group to access a larger
The facility in Pennsylvania will re-
duce delivery mileage by an average of
500 to 600 miles.
customer base, including new clients on This investment will position the
the east coast of the USA and Canada. Jamaica Broilers Group to respond to
He said the new facility would re- the needs of our expanded customer
duce any bio-security risk factors faced base and facilitate growth in the USA
by his companys customers. and Canada, said Levy.
Currently, Jamaica Broilers Group
has to truck baby chicks from its Inter-
national Poultry Breeders Hatchery in Christopher Levy,
Iowa to the east coast. group president/CEO

Sweet River Abattoir

Jamaica Broilers Group Ltd
Christopher Levy, group president and

reports improved finances

Sweet River Abattoir is reporting an im-
proved financial position in its year-end re-
sults.
The company said it moved into profit
with earnings of nearly $700,000 com-
But it noted that sales were up 32 percent
in the fourth quarter and production up 11
percent for the corresponding period the
prior year.
Sweet River Abattoir said it believes

Beet armyworms again

pared with a loss of more than $2 million. the current financial year will be its best.

affecting Manchester farmers

A
New Forrest, Manchester:
fter almost fully recovering from the
devastion caused by the beet army-
worm several months ago, escallion farm-
ers in New Forrest, Manchester, are
contending with another infestation of their
fields by the pests.
Farmers are calling for the Rural Agri-
cultural Development Authority (RADA)
and the Ministry of Agriculture to urgently
come to their assistance before the prob-
lem worsens.
One of the affected farmers, Randell
Bellanfante said three and a half acres of
his crop have been under threat from at
least the last three weeks.
He believes the worms are reappear-
ing because of the cooler weather.
The New Forrest Farmers and Water
Users Association has said the infestation
is at a low level.
However, Conrad Murray, President
of the Association, said the situation is still
serious, as if left unchecked, the beet army-
worm can wipe out a field in a matter of
days.
He said farmers are doing their best to
monitor and contain the infestation, how-
ever, he called on the authorities join in the
control measures "to ensure that we don't
have the outbreak that we had first."
Consumers have also been urged to
brace themselves in the event prices in-
crease due to the infestations.
RADAs CEO Peter Thompson told
The Agriculturalist that officers from the
authority are monitoring the situation New
Forrest and have put in place strategies to
curtail the activities of the pests.
6 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2017 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

Slight
Toxicity

TryClan
50 SP
Always exercise caution
and wear proper safety
gear when handling, CONTACT & STOMACH
INSECTICIDE
preparing and using
pesticides; keep out of
reach of children. Refer to
Product Instructions for
correct usage.

Water soluble, powder contact

and stomach insecticide
Active Ingredient: Thiocyclam
Thrithian-Hydrogen-Oxalate
Controls insects like Tomato Pin Worm (Keiferia sp);
Thrips (Thrip sp), Leaf Miners (Liriomyza sp,
Phyllocnistis sp), Whiteflies (Aleyrodidae sp),
Diamond Back Moth (Plutella sp) on crops such as
Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, PakChoi, Cucumber,
Available at Hi-Pro Farm Supplies and leading Melon, Squash, Pepper, Garlic, Cantaloupe,
farm stores islandwide. Pumpkin, Onion, Tomato, Eggplant, Corn, Papaya,
Telephone: 984-7918/619-1302 Ornamentals and Rice.
 NEWS
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2017 THE AGRICULTURALIST 7

Agricultural appointments & movements

Dermon Spence the Chief Technical
Director at the Ministry of Industry, Com-
merce Agriculture & Fisheries has been
seconded to the Office of the Prime Min-
ister as executive director - Merger and
Sylburn Thomas former export man-
ager, Caribbean Broilers has been ap-
pointed CEO, Agri Invest Corporation
effective October 17, 2017. He replaced
Courtney Cole who has been acting in the
Joseph Gyles was recently promoted
to Chief Executive Officer of the Na-
tional Irrigation Commission (NIC) fol-
lowing the death of Oliver Nembhard.
Gyles who was the Regional System
Conley Salmon who has been the vice-
president-marketing: Feeds & Agricul-
tural Supplies of Jamaica Broilers Group
Limited since 2001 was promoted to the
recently created post President - Jamaica

McPherson reelected
Implementation, effective October 1, position for over two years. Thomas also Manager has been a staff of the NIC for Operations.
2107. chairs the Coffee Board. over 20 years.

president of CASE Alumni

A gricultural consultant and lecturer
Webster McPherson was reelected
president of the College of Agriculture,
Science and Education (CASE) Alumni
Association at their annual general meet-
ing held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel,
New Kingston on September 30.
Other members elected to serve on the
2018 were Everett Hyatt, 1st vice-presi-
dent; Kirk Broadie, 2nd vice-president;
Alexi Reid, 3rd vice president; Lincoln
Davey, treasurer; Murie Edwards, assistant
treasurer; Yvette Betty-OConnor, secre-
tary; Jairzenho Bailey, assistant secretary
and Michael Williams, public relations of-
ficer. Former president Orrett Thomas will

Food Hygiene Bureau

executive committee for the year 2017- continue to serve on the executive.
Webster McPherson Dave Fairman the Country Manager for
the Jamaica Broilers Group Limited was

to train food processors

promoted to the recently created post
President - Haiti Operations. In his cur-
rent capacity, Fairman will be responsi-
ble for continuing the profitable growth

J
amaican exporters targeting the US
markets are to benefit from a three-day
training course aimed at qualifying the
Preventive Controls Qualified Person,
in accordance with the Hazard-Analysis
and Preventive Controls Rule of the US
Food and Drug Administration.
The course has been designed by the
Food Safety Preventative Controls Al-
liance (FSPCA) and will be held on No-
vember 28-30, 2017 at the Department of
Chemistry, UWI, Mona.
Certified food safety trainer/execu-
tive director of the Food Hygiene Bu-
of Haiti Broilers S.A. and the firm estab-
lishment of thebrands. Fairman joined the
Group in 1990 as a Systems Analyst.
reau, Marva Hewitt explains that partici-
pants who completed the course would
be qualified to manage a food safety pre-
ventive controls program and would be
issued with the official FSPCA 'Preven-
tive Controls Qualified Person' certifi-
cate.
Bureau of Standards Jamaica has en-
dorsed the course.
Registration fee is J$20,000 includ-
ing all training materials. Call Maxine at
341-3717 or Patrick 923-7471, email:
info@foodhygienebureau.org or visit
Michael Stern - Businessman and for-
foodhygienebureau.org mer Member of Parliament for North
West Clarendon, Michael Stern, is the

Tropical Farmers Almanac

Get your copy of new chairman of the Rural Agricultural
Development Authority (RADA). Stern
Lowell Dilworth - Chemical Pathology
is a former state minister of industry, in-
and Lecturer in the Faculty of Medical
vestment and commerce in the Bruce
AMC Complex, 188 Spanish Town Road, Kingston 11, Jamaica, W.I. Sciences, University of the West Indies,
Golding administration. The post of
Tel: (876) 923-7471 923-7428
Mona was recently appointed to the board
board chairman for RADA became va-
of the Rural Agricultural Development
cant following the sudden resignation of
editor@theagriculturalist.com Genille Attalla in June this year.
Authority (RADA).
8 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2017 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2017 THE AGRICULTURALIST 9
10 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2017 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

JAMAICA DAIRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD

T
seeks
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
he Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) is a statutory the company under the Ministry of Industry Commerce
Agriculture and Fisheries, with responsible for transforming the dairy industry by bringing technical, developmen-
tal and regulatory activities to underpin an orderly management of the dairy industry according to the provisions of the
Jamaica Dairy Development Board Act. The JDDB will also provide advice counsel and guidance to government and
stakeholders with respect to all production, technical, regulatory and trade aspects of the Dairy Industry to promote local
milk production and the achievement of efficiency in the production, processing, marketing and other trade in dairy prod-
ucts.

JDDB is seeking to identify a highly motivated and dynamic individual to fill the post of Chief Executive Officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Board of Directors the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the overall management, adminis-
tration and direction of the agency and will ensure that its mandate is efficiently and adequately executed in line with its
vision, mission and goals. The principal duties include:
Offering the highest quality service to the dairy farmers and other stakeholders by utilizing the best available technol-
ogy;
Ensure the efficient adoption and adaption of appropriate contemporary technologies and manage their deployment in
a manner to assure the efficient and orderly development of the dairy industry in all its forms.
Budget management and expenditure control and efficient disposal of any income or revenue accruing to the JDDB with
utmost and obsequious recognition and respect for the Financial Administration and Audit Act, the Public Bodies Man-
agement and Accountability Act, and the Corruption Prevention Act.
Maintain a sound and effective technology generation and transfer program with outputs geared at enhancing acceler-
ated herd expansion, nutrition guarantees, increased milk production and growth in the industry.
Organize and maintain an effective extension program utilizing a strategic collaborative approach with other extension
services providers in the public or private sector.
Forging alliances and partnerships with competent local and international development or funding organizations or
individuals to provide the resources to effectively execute approved projects and programmes in a cost-effective man-
ner;
Develop and maintain an effective management and administrative structure to guarantee safety, quality assurance
and standards compliance to maintain order in the dairy industry.

REQUIREMENTS
1. Graduate Degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Agricultural Economics, Agri-Business or Dairy Science.
2. Minimum of five years working experience in private or public sector management/administration at the senior
level.
3. A recognized professional certification in Business Administration or Public Administration will be an advantage but
not a requirement.
4. Training and/or experience in project preparation, monitoring and evaluation with excellent organization and com-
munication skills
5. Excellent budget analysis and forecasting skills and proficiency in the use of management software and reporting
systems.
6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

EMMOLUMENT
A remuneration package which includes approved benefits will be offered.

Applications must be submitted no later than October 25, 2017 to:

The Chairman
Jamaica Dairy Development Board
Ministry of Industry Commerce Agriculture and Fisheries
Hope Gardens
Kingston 6

Or by email with scanned covering letter bearing your signature to dairyboardjob@gmail.com

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls.
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
Norman Grant, JAS president (3rd l) joins Agriculture Minister Karl Samuda as they pet
JAS to launch Eat Jamaican
a chicken at the Hi-Pro booth at Denbigh Show 2017
14th Anniversary Campaign
T he Jamaica Agricultural Society in col-
laboration with the Ministry of Indus-
try, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries,
will celebrate the 14th anniversary of the
'Eat Jamaican' Campaign during the month
of November 2017.
The schedule of activities include the
following:
Wednesday, November 1, 2017 Launch
of Eat Jamaican Month at the Ministry of
Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fish-
eries, Hope Gardens at 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, November 5, 2017 Eat Ja-
maican Thanksgiving Service, Boulevard
JAS partners with Sovereign Supermarket
N orman Grant, President of the JAS says,
the Jamaica Agricultural Society has
partner with Sovereign Supermarket to form
the Denbigh Sovereign Farmers Market
where consumers will be able to purchase
produce at market price within the Sovereign
Supermarket store.
Inspired by the Eat What We Grow
Grow What We Eat slogan, Sovereign Su-
permarket will seek to do this on a continuous
basis bringing the best produce and prices of-
Condolences to the family of
the late Dr Winston Green
O
n behalf of Board of Management of
the Jamaica Agricultural Society
and our farmers I wish to express
condolences to the family of the
late Dr Winston Green, MP for
St Mary South East on his sud-
den passing.
The JAS and the St Mary
Association of Branch Societies
developed an excellent working
relationship with Dr Green
through his annual support to the St
Mary Agricultural Industrial and
Food Show (St Mary Expo) held at Grays
Inn Sports Club every Easter Monday and
Jamaica Agricultural Society 67 Church Street, Kingston
Phone: (876) 922-0610-2. Fax: 922-0613/967-7419. Email: adminjas114@gmail.com
OCTOBER 2017 THE AGRICULTURALIST 11
Denbigh Show 2017 Winners
National Farm Queen Truddiann Ashmead (c) with Shannan Dawkins, first runner-up (1st
l) and Shanique Shand, second runner-up.
JAS president Norman Grant (l) congratulates Denbigh 2017 winners
Baptist Church, 2 Washington Boulevard,
Kingston 20 at 9:00 a.m.
Friday, November 24, 2017 - Eat Ja-
maican Day Exposition at Jamaica 4-H
Clubs, 95 Old Hope Road Kingston 10
from 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m.
JAS president Norman Grant is invit-
ing companies and organizations to mount
exhibits at the exposition.
For further information contact
Jamila Francis-Public Relations Officer or
Patricia Jackson- Executive Secretary at
922-0610-2 or 948-2901.
Martin Zsifkovics Michelle Black
National Champion Farmer Woman Champion Farmer
fered at the Denbigh Show to consumers in
Kingston.
The official launch was held on Thurs-
day, August 10 at Sovereign Supermarket
106 Hope Road, Kingston 6 and consumers
were able to access the offerings for two
days.
The Denbigh Sovereign Farmers Market
will be held quarterly. In additional there will
be a weekly Farmers Market at the Denbigh
Showground on Thursdays.
Richard Robinson Diandra Rowe
Young Champion Farmer Champion Greenhouse Farmer
his general support to the farmers in the rural
constituency.
We were all shocked and surprised
at his sudden and untimely pass-
ing. His support for the farmers
in his constituency is well
known and he was regarded by
the JAS as a farmer friendly
Member of Parliament who gen-
uinely cared for the farmers and
their families. We are deeply sad-
dened by his sudden passing and
we remain prayerful for his immedi-
ate family, friends , constituents and col- Nicholas Anderson
Patrick Graham Champion Goat Farmer
leagues. Champion Ginger Farmer
 PHOTOS
12 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2017 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

PRODUCT LAUNCH:
J.C. Hutchinson ( 2nd left), Minister
without Portfolio in the Ministry of
Industry, Commerce, Agriculture
and Fisheries, examines fertilizer
being presented to him by Daniel
McHugh, Managing Director of Sap-
phire Agriculture Jamaica Ltd,
along with (from left) Olive Downer-
Walsh, Deputy CEO of Hardware &
Lumber and Lloyd Distant, CEO.
The occasion was the Sapphire Fer-
tilizer Product Launch in Kingston
on September 13.

NATIONAL CHAMPION FARMER:

Tricia Jackson, operations manager, Hi-Pro Farm Supplies Store (4th l),
presents Martin Zsifkovics with the National Champion Farmer trophy
Dr. Gavin Bellamy and the Serge Island team pose with their fantastic trophy haul in the Dairy category at Den- while JAS president Norman Grant (3rd l) and a sales representative of

Book your
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Dr. Michael
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 PHOTOS
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2017 THE AGRICULTURALIST 13

Hi-Pro representative presents a bag of brolier ration crumble to

a lucky farmer at Denbigh Show 2017 Director of the Ebony Park Academy, Robert Green (6th l) joins his students as they were declared
winners in the small likestock comptitions at Denbigh 2017.

Serving the
banana farmers
AIBGA Ripening Rooms
The AIBGAs ripening rooms are located at Pembroke Hall, St. Mary; Kensington,
St. James and Fellowship, Portland. We ripen bananas and other fruits.

AIBGAFarm Stores
A leading provider of farm inputs, marked by superior price and quality.

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Tel: 922-5497 967-3160 Fax: 967-3160
support@aibga.info aibga@cwjamaica.com
www.aibga.info
14 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2017 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
 INTERNATIONAL NEWS
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
Brazil hails WTO decision in
chicken case against Indonesia
A of Caribbean
BRASLIA:
Brazilian foreign ministry official
praised a World Trade Organization
(WTO) decision regarding a dispute op-
posing the country and Indonesia, saying
it will effectively remove barriers on
chicken trade.
EU suspends Swazi beef imports
Carlos Cozendey, economic affairs
amid foot and mouth disease fears
T
he European Union has banned beef
imports from Swaziland following a
suspected foot-and-mouth disease out-
break allegedly caused by three buffaloes
donated to the country by Zambian Presi-
dent Edgar Lungu early this month.
Agriculture Minister Moses Vilakati
confirmed the suspension in a statement on
Tuesday. When the buffalos arrived into
the country they were accompanied by
documents certifying that they had tested
negative for the disease, Vilakati said.
The minister however said the Swazi
government is taking precautionary meas-
ures and we have since taken their blood
samples for further tests to be conducted in
South Africa where we seek to confirm the
Africas agriculture needs technological
initial test results. The buffaloes are being
transformation Scientists
S
Source: Ghana| Myjoyonline
cientists are calling for technological
transformation in how Africans under-
take agricultural production to help improve
food security on the continent.
They warn failure to do this will further
endanger the continents ability to feed itself
and stall development. The scientists blame
the lack of speedy progress in the Agric sec-
tor over the years on the unwillingness of
stakeholders to embrace fresh innovations,
which they say must change.
There is tacit evidence that African gov-
ernments and farmers are not committed to
Pork Market on an Export Roll in 2017
use of science in agriculture, claimed Dr.
Cyprian Ebong, Executive Director of the
W
By Gene Johnston
hile President Trump talks tough
about trade agreements that dont well
serve U.S. interests, the U.S. pork industry
is quietly setting export records this year. As
a result, its basking in a profit windfall.
Hog market consultant Steve Meyer is
telling pork producers at the World Pork
Expo this week in Des Moines, Iowa, that
pig prices are playing out better than many
people expected when the year started.
undersecretary at the ministry, told a
press conference on Tuesday the Brazil-
ian government believes it is possible to
start exporting chicken to Indonesia next
year following the ruling.
Brazil said a WTO panel recognized
Indonesia imposed unjustified restric-
tions on chicken trade.
kept under quarantine in Malindza in the
Lubombo region of Swaziland.
The minister said all animals that
utilise dip tanks located within a radius of
10 kilometres from where the buffalos are
have been quarantined too. Swaziland
Meat Industries, the countrys major beef
Association for Strengthening Agricultural
Research in Eastern and Central Africa
(ASARECA).
He was speaking at a high level confer-
ence on application of science, technology
and innovation in harnessing African agri-
cultural transformation at the Speke Resort
at Munyonyo in Uganda.
The conference which is organized by
the Ministry of Science, Technology and In-
novation of Uganda and the African Agri-
cultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is
under the theme: Integrating the path in
Africas agricultural transformation.
About 100 scientists, civil society rep-
resentatives and government officials from
Mostly, its because exports have outper-
formed expectations, he says. Pork exports
were predicted to be up about 7% from last
year. So far, they are up 14%. About 24% of
our total production has been exported.
Mexico, the main focus of Trumps
trade taunting, has been a particularly strong
pork market in 2017, Meyer says. It started
last fall. While Mexico takes all kinds of
pork cuts from the U.S., the country has
been a particularly good buyer of green
exporter, has meanwhile suspended all cat-
tle purchases from farmers and the pay-
ments of export bonuses until further
notice.
Vilakati said the embargo is expected
to affect local beef farmers in a big way. In
2001 the EU placed a three-month ban on
all beef imports from Swaziland following
the kingdom's failure to contain an out-
break of the same disease.
The Zambian president has been King
Mswati IIIs guest twice in a period of
three months as he came here in June and
in August 2017 where he participated in
the International Trade Fair and the annual
Reed Dance ceremony. Source:
apanews.net
across the continent are meeting at the con-
ference to discuss how technology can be
applied to help transform agriculture on the
continent.
Africa spends more than $35 billion im-
porting food every year, although the conti-
nent has the capacity to produce a lot of the
imported foods.
This is despite more than 70 percent of
the workforce on the continent being en-
gaged in agricultural production for their
livelihoods. Estimates are that more than
200 million of the continents 1.2 billion
population still live in hunger or are mal-
nourished.
hams, Meyer says. South Korea, along with
several Central and South American coun-
tries, has also increased its purchases of U.S.
pork.
If we, for some reason, should lose our
pork export markets [disease or canceled
trade agreements], it would put a third more
pork back on the domestic market. That
would send the price of pork down at least
60% on the retail market, he adds.
OCTOBER 2017 THE AGRICULTURALIST 15
Germany
TRADE:
gets a Taste
Diversity
A
diverse collection of food and bever-
age producers from the Caribbean de-
scended upon the worlds leading food fair
ANUGA in Cologne, Germany in October.
The leading food fair attracts some
7000 exhibitors from over 100 countries
and close to 200,000 visitors, was home to
eight producers from the Caribbean under
the Caribbean Kitchen pavilion facilitated
by the Caribbean Export Development
Agency (Caribbean Export).
Food and drinks is such an integral
part of Caribbean culture which continues
to be in high demand from the European
markets. The firms selected to exhibit at this
years ANUGA exemplify the quality and
innovation needed to be successful ex-
porters highlighted Pamela Coke-Hamil-
ton, Executive Director of Caribbean
Export.
The participating companies include
2016s Caribbean Exporter of the Year
award winners the West Indian Biscuit
Company (WIBISCO) manufacturers of
cookies and crackers from Barbados.
Following a successful event in 2015,
La Benedicta the regions only producer of
apple cider from the Dominican Republic
will return.
Four Jamaican firms are participating
for their first time including Coffee Solu-
tions with their Ridgelyne Blue Mountain
Coffee; Ecofarms producers of organic
gourmet honey and healthy honey products;
Shavuot producers of herbal teas and pow-
der products using indigenous ingredients
such as Soursop and Moringa.
Also from Jamaica is Southside Dis-
tributors producers of a range of condi-
ments, canned products, juices and syrups
using locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
BASF to Buy
Source: www.carib-export.com
LibertyLink
B
ASF has signed an agreement to ac-
quire Bayers LibertyLink technology
and other significant parts of Bayers seed
and nonselective herbicide businesses.
It's all part of a divestment Bayer wants
to make for its planned acquisition of Mon-
santo, now slated to close first quarter 2018.
The all-cash purchase price is 5.9 bil-
lion ($6.97 billion), subject to certain ad-
justments at closing.
Assets to be acquired outlined in a
BASF news release include: Bayers global
glufosinate-ammonium nonselective herbi-
cide business, commercialized under the
Liberty, Basta, and Finale brands and seed
businesses for key row crops in select mar-
kets. Canola hybrids in North America
under the InVigor brand using the Lib-
ertyLink trait technology
16 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2017 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2017 THE AGRICULTURALIST 17
18 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2017 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM OCTOBER 2017 THE AGRICULTURALIST 19

Hutchinson announces push start programme for farmers:

J.C. Hutchinson (3rd l), Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, along with Bobby Montague (4th l), Member of Parliament for West-
ern St. Mary and National Security Minister; Olive Downer Walsh (1st l), Deputy Chief Executive Officer, H&L Agro; and Dennis Valdez, Managing Director of Newport-Fersan (Ja-
maica) Ltd; at the National Irish Potato and Onion Stakeholders Seminar held in Guys Hill, St. Catherine, October 11. MHutchinson, announced a pilot project, Agriculture Push Start
Programme, aimed at giving a start to persons who want to pursue agriculture as a business. Commencing with the production of three crops - Irish potato, onion and Scotch bonnet

Caribbean seafood exporter

pepper, the programme, Minister Hutchinson said, will target youth and women while embracing all agricultural entrepreneurs who have a passion for and are serious about agriculture.
This is about providing opportunities to better provide for self and family, social empowerment and community development, said Hutchinson. Under the programme, several private
sector companies and other Government agencies will be partnering with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to assist farmers with their agricultural endeavours.

expands sales to five continents

R ainforest Seafoods, a Caribbean
seafood exporter with headquarters in
Jamaica, began exporting conch and spiny
lobster caught in Jamaica's water to the Eu-
ropean Union and the United Arab Emi-
rates at the start of 2017.
It also began exporting lobster to
China and the United States last December,
according to a news release carried on the
company's website. The company's CEO,
Brian Jardim, said in a company-issued re-
lease that having established the seafood
chain as a major supplier to the Caribbean,
Rainforest is now focused on extending its
reach to other global markets.
A news report stated that the company
was seeking to substantially increase the
percentage of its revenue generated from
exports. Conch and lobster represent Ja-
maicas two top seafood exports.
Jamaica's Fisheries Division, a part of
the countrys Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries, ranks the country's queen conch
as its most important fisheries resource,
with more than 500 metric tons being ex-
ported each year and 2,000 people em-
ployed in the sector. A 2017 government
report on Jamaica's lobster industry ranks
the spiny lobster as Jamaica's second-most
valuable fisheries' export after the queen
conch.
The country's total spiny lobster ex-
ports for 2014 amounted to more than 800
metric tons with a value of about USD 13 Brian Jardim
million (EUR 11 million). CEO, Rainforest Seafoods
Source: www.seafoodsource.com

SPECIAL ADVISORY
Farmers of South Manchester & South St. Elizabeth
This is a special advisory from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA)

Conditions are favourable for an increase in the beet armyworm population

at this time, farmers:

act early to prevent damage from the pest

Monitor scallion, onion and other crops at least twice per week
for detection of egg sacs.
Install pheromone traps to aid in monitoring population
handpick pest where practical
apply appropriate insecticides at egg hatching stage
harvest all mature scallion

Lets work together to keep the beet armyworm population low in your communities.

For more information contact your nearest

RADA Office (toll free) 1-888-ASK RADA (275-7232).
20 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2017 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM
Jamaica Drip Irrigation Makes the Case for Smart Agriculture
F
Kingston, JAMAICA:
or over 30 years, Jamaica Drip Irrigation
(JDI), a member of the Isratech Ja-
maica Limited Group of Companies, has
manufactured, designed, supplied and in-
stalled complete irrigation systems using the
highest standards, and in recent years has ex-
panded its offering to include the supply and
installation of complete greenhouse systems.
As the only manufacturer of drip irriga-
tion pipes in the Caribbean, JDI offers a
comprehensive and unique package to the
agricultural from engineering and design,
manufacturing and supply of product, to im-
plementation and maintenance
From the JDI perspective, the effective
and appropriate selection, design and imple-
mentation of irrigation solutions is critical to
high yields and climate-neutral outcomes.
The company focus, therefore, is on the sup-
ply of a wide range of technologically ad-
vanced yet accessible solutions and services,
from water sourcing and harvesting, to irri-
gation systems, supplies and maintenance.
Studies show that the highest yields
that can be obtained from irrigation are more
than double the highest yields that can be
obtained from rainfed agriculture, notes
Benjie Hodara, Vice President of Sales &
Marketing at Isratech Jamaica Ltd. As an
industry directly impacted by climate
WHAT & WHEN TO PLANT
NOVEMBER
Beet root- does best during the cool months (Sep-
tember to January); can be grown at high elevations
year-round or on lowlands with irrigation.
Cabbage - does best during the cool months (Sep-
tember to January); can be grown year-round with
irrigation and good pest control.
Carrot - can be grown year-round, but does best in
cool months with a good disease control programme.
Cauliflower- does best in the cool months.
Celery - does best at high elevations in a cool cli-
mate; can be grown at lower elevations during the
cool months (September to January).
Cucumber - grown all year round.
Egg Plant - grown year-round, especially in the cool
months.
Escellion- can be grown year-round.
Okra - grown year-round at low elevations, hot
months in high areas.
Onion - August to December.
Pumpkin - grown year-round.
Radish - does best during the cool months at high
elevations.
Sweet Pepper - does best during the cool season at
high elevations.
String Beans - grown year-round, but does best
during cool season.
Knowledge Page
OCTOBER 2017 THE AGRICULTURALIST 21
Water Efficiency in the Age of Climate Change
An aerial view of a greenhouse
Hodara remarked that water efficiency
and cost efficiency are not mutually exclu-
sive concepts, but that appropriate design
and implementation are key.
Since 1985, Jamaica Drip Irrigation
(JDI) has manufactured, designed, sup-
plied and installed complete irrigation sys-
tems using the highest standards. The
company subsequently expanded its offer-
ing to include the supply and installation of
Drip irrigation (above ground)
complete greenhouse systems. For more in-
change, smart agriculture and irrigation are o Traveller guns
formation, visit their website at www.israt-
virtually synonymous. o Sprinkler systems
ech.com. Connect on social media at
Commonly installed irrigation models Hodara explains that most people are
fb/isratechjamaica or IG@isratech.
include: familiar with open-field drip irrigation
o Drip irrigation systems for sub-surface / where water is distributed through the emit-
For more information, contact:
underground ters directly into the soil near the roots
Marketing Department
o Drip irrigation systems for above ground / through a special slow-release device, green-
marketing@isratech.com
surface house systems have advanced to be ex-
(876) 603-3946-7
tremely viable food production options.
Tomato - grown year-round.
Turnip - cool climate essential, turnip grows best at
high elevations.
Watermelon - September to April.
Zucchini- can be grown year-round.
DECEMBER
Beetroot - does best during the cool months (Sep-
tember to January) or on lowlands with irrigation.
Cabbage - does best during the cool months (Sep-
tember to January).
Carrot - can be grown year-round, but does best in
cool months with a good disease control programme.
Cauliflower - can be grown year-round, but does
best in the cool months.
Cantaloupe - September to April. FERTILIZER TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF THE SOIL:
Celery - does best at high elevations in a cool cli- Coffee Farmers in the Bangor Ridge area of Portland pose with 25lbs bags of a
mate; can be grown at lower elevations during the blend of fertilizer tailored to the needs of the soil found in the Bangor Ridge area.
cool months (September to January). Several farmers in the Bangor Ridge area of Portland participated in a program
Cucumber - grown year-round. that saw the complimentary testing of their soil by Newport-Fersans Senior Agron-
Egg Plant - grown year-round. omist Silbert Omeally and Technical Sales Consultant Anthony Bailey. Based on the
Escellion- can be grown year-round. analysis of the soil tests a special blend, the B-Ridge blend was created specifically
Lettuce - grown year-round. for the Bangor Ridge region to ensure the soil has the right nutrients required for
Okra - grown year-round. maximum production.
Effective Fertilizer Tips
Onion - August to December.
Pumpkin - grown year-round.
Radish - does best during the cool months at high
elevations. Fertilizer refers to any compound that contains Chemical fertilizers refer to commercially
Sweet Pepper - does best during the cool months at one or more chemical elements, organic or in- manufactured products containing a substantial
high elevations. organic, natural or synthetic, that is placed on amount of one or more plant nutrients.
String Beans - grown year-round, but does best dur- or incorporated into the soil or applied to di- The chemical fertilizers can be broadly classi-
ing the cool season. rectly onto plants to achieve normal growth. fied into: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
The main supply sources of plant nutrients in- fertilizers.
Tomato - grown year-round.
clude organic manures, plant residues, biologi- A straight fertilizer contains only one of the
Turnip - cool climate essential, turnips grow cal nitrogen fixation and commercial inorganic nutrients. A compound fertilizer contains two or
best at high elevations. fertilizers. more nutrients.
Watermelon - September to April. The type of fertilizers that are most commonly A complex fertilizer that is formed by mixing
Zucchini- can be grown year-round. used for crop production in Jamaica are chemi- ingredients that react chemically, as opposed to
cal fertilizers. a mechanical mixture of two or more fertilizers.
 EDUCATION
22 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2017 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

CASE
targets
University
Status in
five years
I
KINGSTON, Oct. 11 (JIS):
nterim President of the College
of Agriculture, Science and
Education (CASE), Dr. Derrick
Deslandes, plans to transform the
multidisciplinary tertiary institu-
tion into a university within the
next five years.
He said that in order to
achieve the objective, more re-
search-based academic staff will
be hired and new methods and
technologies introduced, such as
clean plant material to improve
farmer productivity; establish-
ment of a tunnel-ventilated
chicken house; and improve-
ments to the piggery and to dairy
production.
He informed that a proposal
has been made to the National
Housing Trust (NHT) to create
more space for offices, class- DENBIGH CHAMPION: Livestock students of the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) pose with their prized-winning
rooms and dormitories to handle cattle at Denbigh Show 2017. CASE is one of the leading champion exhibitors at the annual agricultural and industrial show.
the expected increase in student

$20M for Knockalva

matriculation. Enrolment has in-
creased by 50 per cent over the
last three years.
Were targeting at least
Agricultural School:
Karl Samuda (2nd left), Minister of
1,500 residential students over
Industry, Commerce, Agriculture
that five-year period in addition
and Fisheries (MICAF), presents a
to the commuting students. We cheque valued $6m, the first
think we need to get to about tranche of a $20m contribution to
3,000 students for us to be sus- the Knockalva Agricultural School
tainable in the long term, Dr. in Hanover, to principal Davia
Deslandes said. Ramgeet-Robinson (2nd right). The
We want CASE to become presentation was made at the World
a critical player in the (agricul- Food Day National Ceremony &
tural) sector in terms of research, Exhibition held at the school on Oc-
the production of good graduates tober 12. Participating in the han-
as well as driving the production dover are (from left) Lawrence
process in critical areas, he Henry, Acting Chief Executive Of-
added. ficer of the Jamaica Dairy Develop-
He was speaking to JIS New ment Board; Chairman of the
at a meeting of the Rotary Club School Board Calvin Brown and
Donovan Stanberry, Permanent
of Spanish Town held on Octo-
Secretary, MICAF. A cheque, val-
ber 10 at the Police Officers
ued at $6 million and representing
Club in St. Andrew.
the first tranche of the financial
Meanwhile, Dr. Deslandes support to the school was also
informed that the institution is handed over at the days event. The
advanced in its application for a funds are expected to provide infra-
cannabis licence. structure development for the

We publish your school and

We have one outstanding school, with specific focus on its
document that were trying to fi- livestock agriculture.
nalise (and) to get out of the way,
but the process is taking place,

college news, photos etc.,

he said.
Dr. Deslandes noted that
there has been significant inter-
est in the undertaking, including
from a Canadian investor,
which wants to partner with
CASE as they were doing with
the University of Technology

The Agriculturalist Call 923-7471 agriculturalist@gmail.com

(UTECH) and University of the
West Indies (UWI).
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24 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER 2017 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM