the agriculturalist

365-2054

VOL. 23 NO. 10 • OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2012 FREE WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

Domestic Crop Production DownPreliminary data from the Bank of Ja-

maica indicate that domestic cropproduction contracted by 0.4 per cent dur-ing the July to September quarter.This was down from the average quar-terly expansion of 10.3 per cent in thefirst half of the year.The decline in production is attributedto mild drought conditions before andduring the review quarter.According to the Central Bank, con-traction in export agriculture reflected de-clines of 100 per cent, 3.7 per cent and93.6 per cent in sugar cane milled, coffeeand citrus, respectively.The fallout in cane milled reflected theearlier conclusion of the crop year rela-tive to the corresponding period in 2011.Lower coffee and citrus production wasattributed to reduced demand from Japanand the long lasting impact of the ‘green-ing disease.’

BY PATRICK MAITLANDEDITOR-THE AGRICULTURALUST

Some 37,000 farmers across the island have been affected byHurricane Sandy, with some 1,500 hectares of crops de-stroyed and total estimated damage put at $1.43 billion ac-

cording to data released by Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.Our agricultural sector has been hit hard. Many farmers suffereddamage to cash crops including banana, plantain, root and tubers,vegetables, condiments and fruits.

The passage of the hurricane affected some 37,000 farmers in-cluding 3,600 farmers reported damage to livestock totalling $95Million; approximately 20% of the unreaped Blue Mountain cof-fee berries estimated at 31,600 boxes with a value of $101 Milliondollars. 12% of the remaining crop of our High Mountain Coffeehas also been lost, an estimated 4,522 boxes valued at $9 Million.·Aquaculture industry sustained damage estimated to the tune of$91M. · Irrigation infrastructure was also significantly impacted ata cost of $62M.

Continued on page 3

FARM TOURBanana Board’s general manager Janet Conie (l) talks to State Minister for Agriculture Ian Hayles (2nd l) about the damagedone to farms in St Mary as a result of Hurricane Sandy on October 24. The State Minister was on a tour of several farmingcommunities in St. Mary that were affected by the hurricane. Also in photo (l-r) member of parliament, Morais Guy, RADA’sprincipal director, Winston Clarke, banana farmer, Bob Miller, permanent secetaty, Agriculture Ministry, Donovann Stan-berry and chairman of the All-Island Banana Growers Association, Gretel Sessing.

-Photo: Hartnell Campbell/[email protected]

Farmers Sustain $1.43 b in losses

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EDITORIAL

Hurricane Sandy was among the mostdestructive natural disasters that bat-

tered Jamaican farmers in last ten years. TheAgriculture Ministry has estimated the dam-age done to crops and livestock at almost$1.5 billion.

However, if we consider other personalproperties including houses, equipment andlost of income, the real lost sustained byfarmers could be well over $4 billion.

During the regular two or three-yearcycle, Jamaica and its Caribbean neighboursalways encounter the severe destructiveforces of hurricanes and in recent timesearthquakes.

These natural disasters will always bewith us and according to meteorologists, weare now experiencing more frequent anddevastating hurricanes and earthquakes.

As in the cases of AIDS, cancer andother life threatening diseases, we cannotprevent or get rid of natural disasters. But,with medication and treatments, we learn tolive with those diseases.

Therefore, we have no alternative, Ja-maican farmers must implement strategiesto protect lives, properties and limit the fi-nancial impact of catastrophic hurricanesand earthquakes.

After 50 years of political independenceand self-government, Jamaica is still with-out a comprehensive or workable insurancecoverage for its farmers.

Several farm insurance studies havebeen conducted and strategies put forwardincluding the Caribbean Catastrophe RiskInsurance Facility - a risk pooling facility,owned, operated and registered in theCaribbean for Caribbean governments.

CCRIF may represent a paradigm shiftin the way governments treat risk, withCaribbean governments leading the way inpre-disaster planning, but the focus andscope are too wide to provide any meaning-ful help to our farmers.

With about 75 per cent of the island's220,000 farmers operate on a hectare or lessof land its always challenging to provide

coverage for farmers. A few years ago a pre-feasibility study commissioned by the gov-ernment and conducted by the CGMGallagher observed that small-farming prac-tices could pose a problematic application ofthe insurance policy, noting that it would bebetter applied to large farmers and commer-cial producers who mono-crop.

The study also questioned the ability ofthe Jamaica Meteorological Service (JMS)to provide quality and timely data, especiallyfor extreme weather condition. The studyoutlines the need for the agency to improve

on the weaknesses before it can implement aparametric policy.

Despite the many studies and the prob-lems or issues identified, Jamaican farmersare still without any significant insurancecoverage. Jamaica’s situation is not unique.We are smart and resourceful enough to de-velop solutions to meet our needs.

Enough of the talking and promises, ourpolicy makers, farm leaders as well as ordi-nary farmers should implement strategies toprotect our farmers’ lives, farms and limitthe financial impact of natural disasters.

byPATRICK MAITLAND

Publisher -The Agriculturalist [email protected]

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 suggestionsto [email protected]. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all articles will be published.

Focal Point

Enough of the talking and promises - farmers need coverage!

OOPPIINNIIOONNSS

The rate at which we consume waterhas grown twice as fast as the worldpopulation over the past century, with

many countries now suffering from waterscarcity. Approximately 90% of the water gathered

through irrigation and rainfall is used to pro-duce food. To keep pace with populationgrowth and dietary changes, the amount ofwater used by agriculture will have to dou-ble by 2050 – unless we change our patternsof production and consumption.At the Brussels Development Briefing on

The Water We Eat 1, experts highlighted themeasures required if future generations areto make sustainable use of the world’s finitesupply of water. Policy-makers worldwide should pay

greater attention to the agricultural use ofwater. ACP countries should introduce ini-tiatives to help farmers improve their pro-ductivity per unit of water consumed. There should be a strong emphasis on

small-scale, low-cost methods of improvingrain-fed farming. Steps should be taken toimprove access to water, especially forwomen and the rural poor in ACP countries.There is an urgent need for better water gov-ernance, both within and between countries.Approximately 1.2 billion people – 17% of

the world’s population – live in regionswhere water use has reached or exceededsustainable limits. Even greater numbers, 1.6billion people, suffer from economicscarcity: they lack access to adequate sup-plies of water.Economic water scarcity is the reality for

a significant proportion of farming familiesin ACP countries, and one of the factors re-sponsible for low productivity and wide-spread poverty.It is not just the increase in population that

is fuelling the rising demand for waterChanging dietary patterns and growing af-fluence in the developing world are closely

associated with an increase in meat con-sumption.A diet high in grain-fed meat requires ap-

proximately 5000 litres of water per day,compared to 2500 litres for a vegetarian diet.Other factors affecting water availability

and demand include climate change and ur-banisation.Four-fifths of nations are net importers of

food. This means they are also net importersof ‘virtual water.’ This describes the waterwhich is used to grow crops and rear live-stock in the countries of origin. Trade has therefore enabled countries

which lack sufficient water to become food-secure by importing food from elsewhere. This is the good news. However, there is a downside to this trade:

subsidised crops grown and exported by Eu-ropean and US farmers depress world mar-ket prices, making life more difficult for ACPfarmers.Massive public investment in irrigation

during the latter half of the 20th century, es-pecially in Asia, did much to raise crop yieldsand tackle hunger. Globally, most of cultivated land is under

irrigation in sub-Saharan Africa, comparedto 50% in India 4%.

Facing RealityWater is grossly undervalued. In the devel-

oped world, a cubic metre of high-qualitydrinking water is often worth no more thanthe price of a cigarette, and in many coun-tries farmers consider it a free resource.More could be done to publicise the truecosts of food production by using the con-cepts of virtual water and water footprints todraw attention to its agricultural use. The facts are frequently startling. It re-

quires 140 litres of water to make a cup ofcoffee; 1000 litres to produce a litre of milk;and 2700 litres to manufacture a cotton T-shirt.

In ACP countries, the agricultural use ofwater receives too little attention, consider-ing its importance to rural communities.This has to change. Policymakers shouldrecognise that better management of inputs,and especially improved water management,could significantly increase crop and live-stock productivity.

Targeting low-yield farmersAccording to the report by IWMI on the

Comprehensive Assessment of Water Man-agement in Agriculture, 75% of the addi-tional food we need over the next decadescould be met by increasing the production ofthe world’s low-yield farmers to 80% of thelevels high-yield farmers currently achievedon similar land.In sub-Saharan Africa, policymakers

should focus their attention on improvingand unregulated initiatives are playing an in-creasingly important role.Africa, helping families to boost incomes

by growing cash crops during the dry season.Policymakers and donors should support

these relatively inexpensive ventures, whileallowing farmers to determine which sys-tems–buckets, watering cans, electric pumps,small dams –they adopt. Water storage by small reservoirs, in

groundwater, in soils or wetlands is essentialto reduce the risks associated with short-termdry spells. Water scarcity may be a global

issue, but the solutions must be determinedlocally, with farmers helping to shape policy.The policies described above could pave

the way for more efficient and productive useof scarce water resources. Creating greaterawareness about the ways we use and abusewater will help to inform the choices madeby governments, the private sector, farmersand consumers.In ACP countries, support for small-scale,

low-cost water storage and irrigationschemes will significantly increase cropyields and deliver more food per unit ofwater. To avoid the environmental damage fre-quently associated with irrigated farming inAsia and the developed world, good waterstewardship should be at the heart of new ir-rigation initiatives in ACP countries.

Source: www.cta.int

Publisher & Editor: Patrick Maitland

Advertising Executives:Tricia Reece • Lancelot Williams, Jr

Consulting Editors: Vincent Wright, Jairzenho Bailey

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The water we eat – tackling scarcity in ACP countries



NEWS

SUPPORT FOR BANANA PRODUCTION: Chairman of the All-Island Banana Growers Association Ltd (AIBGA), Gretel Sessing and Minister of Agricul-ture & Fisheries, Roger Clarke signs Memorandum of Understanding to increase local banana production andto cut banana chips imports by upto 25 percent. Both were present ata press conference hosted by theMinistry to unveil a $100m bananaresuscitation package for farmersaffected by Hurricane Sandy.

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AIBGA to stageFarmer’s EventsThe All Island Banana Growers Associa-

tions Ltd. (AIBGA) invites farmers andthe public to the following upcomingevents:•Farmers’ Expo and Training on Thurs-

day, November 29, 2012 at the Trinity Box-ing Plant in St. Mary commencing at 10:00a.m. •Farmers’ Expo and Training on Wednes-

day, December 5, 2012 at the FellowshipFarm Store in Portland commencing at10:00 a.m. Contact 922-5497/967-3160.

Banana FarmersGet Assistance

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister RogerClarke, has outlined details of a J$100Mloan programme to assist banana farmerswhose fields were devastated by the recentpassage of Hurricane Sandy.Banana farmers in the Eastern parishes of

St. Mary, Portland and St. Thomas are nowreceiving input supplies from the Ministry.According to Minister Clarke $7m from

the Catastrophe Fund has been paid out tohe affected farmers. “Notifications of payments started with

farmers in St. Mary recently and followedby the parishes of Portland and St. Thomas,with claims made by banana farmers inWestern Jamaica to be honoured immedi-ately thereafter” he said.Registered banana farmers particularly

those suppliers to the chip market are alsoset to benefit from a 3-year 5percent $100mbanana resuscitation loan programme.

Continued from page 1· The crop loss sustained by the cocoa in-dustry was previously reported as 21,500boxes but the most recent assessment re-ports damage of 24,500 boxes.Prime Minister Portia Simpson Millersaid Government will assist with the re-suscitation of the banana industry, throughthe Ministry of Agriculture and Fisherieswith a $100M loan package from the Peo-ple’s Cooperative Banks which will beavailable to farmers at an interest rate of5%.Additionally, the People's CooperativeBanks have agreed to reduce their one-offfees on loans from 3% to 1.5% to assist theindustry at this time.The Government recognises that some ofthe smaller banana farmers may not be ableto access these loan funds. The Ministryhas negotiated with the European Union toallocate $13M from the EU Banana Sup-port Programme to assist small farmerswith fertilizer and insecticide.Some 3,888 bags of fertilizer and 39 kgof insecticide will be distributed in theworst affected areas this week. Bananafarmers who suffered losses above 50% ofproduction and who are subscribers to theCatastrophe Fund will be receiving theirpay-out shortly.In order to assist with the restoration ofcash crop production in the worse affected

parishes, the Ministry of Agriculture andFisheries, through RADA, will provide thefollowing materials and services to farm-ers: vegetable seeds valued at $13.2 Mil-lion dollars for 6,000 farmers; 18,666 bagsof fertilizer valued at $30.3 Million; dayold chicks and animal feed valued at $4Million dollars to 400 farmers; and tractorservices by RADA to assist 750 farmerswith land preparation.Tools for pruning will be provided to af-fected cocoa farmers including chain saws,guide bars, cutlass files and cutlasses val-ued at $500,000.Cocoa farmers will also receive some9,006 bags of fertiliser valued at $14.5 Mil-lion.Over 22,222 bags of fertilizer of differ-ent blends valued at $40M will be distrib-uted to affected coffee farmers. $20Million dollars in grants will be madeavailable for the provision of critical equip-ment to both our marine fishers and af-fected persons in the aquaculture industry.“We are doing all that we can to restoreour agricultural sector to full production assoon as possible, utilising available re-sources,” Simpson Miller noted.Repairs to the irrigation system are beingmade through the re-allocation of budget-ary resources in the National IrrigationCommission’s budget.

Farmers Sustain $1.43 b in losses



NEWS

The Jamaica ProducersGroup (JP) is consider-

ing new locations for ba-nana production afterHurricane Sandy destroyedits farms in the eastern endof the island last month.The company in its au-dited results released Mon-day, said it has made thedecision to resuscitate thefarms and investigate otherproduction locations in Ja-maica.

Ninety per cent of Ja-maica Producer's bananacrop was destroyed whenthe Category One storm hitthe island on October 24.The company says inorder to maintain its marketposition it has organised tosubstitute its production oftropical snacks in Jamaicawith comparable snacksproduced at its facility inthe Dominican Republic.

Fresh Producer exporters Cry FoulJamaica’s top fresh produceexporter Rita Syme-Hyltonspeaks recently about theplight of exporters arisingfrom Jamaica Custom Offi-cers search for contrabandat the ports, which exporterssay is costing them millionsof dollars in losses. Also inphoto Hernal Hamilton, former secretary of the Jamaica Exporters Association.

Jamaica Producers consider new

banana locations

Jamaica Producers, is re-porting reduced profitsfor the 39-week periodended last September.Net profit attributable toJP shareholders, totalledJ$127 million, comparedwith J$1.2 billion dollars

for the similar period in2011.However, it must benoted that income, during2011, was boosted by a J$-billion plus gain, on the dis-posal of long-term portfolioinvestments.

Reduced profits forJamaica Producers

Banana plants distroyed by Hurricane Sandy

The estimate of the dam-age done to the Port-

land-based College ofAgriculture, Science andEducation (CASE) follow-ing Hurricane Sandy hasnow reached over $75 mil-lion.This is up from the earlierfigure of J$50 million.The college reported ex-tensive structural damageto buildings on the animalscience tutorial farm, theeast campus library anddominatories.

There was also damage tothe institution’s greenhousefarms and hydroponics sys-tems.The Japanese govern-ment has offered to assist inrepairing the damage.CASE, a multi-discipli-nary institution, is commit-ted to providing educationand training of the highestquality in agriculture, sci-ence and teacher educationto men and women in Ja-maica, and other Caribbeancountries, through teach-ing, research and outreach.

Hurricane damage toCASE now at $75m



Newport Fersan Donates Fertilizer to Farmers:Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Roger Clarke (2nd l) cuts ribbons to mark the offi-cial handing over of 1,000 bags of fertilizer to benefit hurricane-affected farmers at theNewport Fersan (Jamaica) Limited Wherry Wharf complex in Kingston recently. Also inphoto managing mirector, Newport Fersan, Dennis Valdez (3r l) and Ministry of Agricul-ture’s permanant secretary, Donovan Stanberry. In expressing gratitude, Clarke said: “Itwill go a far way in helping the farmers get back on their feet.” He informed that distri-bution will commence shortly, adding that the Government is committed to assisting thefarmers, who sustained significant damage during the passage of the hurricane on Oc-tober 24. The donation is expected to benefit farmers in various industries including, ba-nana, cocoa, coconut, coffee, and cash crops. Focus will be placed on the worst affectedparishes of St. Thomas, Portland, St. Mary, St. Andrew, parts of Clarendon, St. Cather-ine and St. Ann. The Minister commended Newport Fersan for partnering with the gov-ernment in providing quality products to the industry, stating that this will facilitate growthand the rebuilding of the sector.

KINGSTON:

The Ministry of Agricultureand Fisheries, is saddened by

the passing of Alexander C. Mc-Donald, former Chairman of theAll Island Jamaica Cane FarmersAssociation, and a former Direc-tor at the Ministry. McDonald, who was 86 years

old died at the Medical AssociatesHospital in Kingston recently.A former Director of Research

in the Ministry of Agriculture, hewas responsible for guiding thedevelopment of improved tech-nologies and methodologies andof new crop cultivars that have en-abled farmers to increase theirproduction and therefore their in-come. He was an outstanding agricul-

tural extension officer and a grad-uate of the former Jamaica Schoolof Agriculture. He also worked asbranch organiser with the the Ja-maica Agricultural Society and theMinistry of Agriculture. When he retired from the Min-

istry in the 1990s he had alsoserved as director of training,deputy executive director ofRADA and dean of the College ofAgriculture. His contribution also spanned

working as a policy maker at thelevel of Special Advisor on Agri-culture to Prime Minister MichaelManley during the 1970s. McDonald also worked with the

Inter-American Institute for Co-operation in Agriculture (IICA)primarily on cassava.

Agriculture and Fisheries Min-ister Roger Clarke in paying trib-ute to McDonald said “theagricultural sector has lost one ofits stalwarts. He was a man of im-peccable character who had a deeplove for agriculture. The agricul-tural sector has lost a giant whosework on cassava at IICA is adefining career legacy” MinisterClarke said.McDonald served as chairman

of the All Island Jamaica CaneFarmers Association from 2003 to2004, but prior to this period wasa member of the committee ofmanagement for a number ofyears. He was also a sugar canefarmer in Clarendon.He is survived by his wife and

four children. The Ministry conveys heartfelt

condolences to his family duringthis most difficult period of be-reavement.

Reverend Joslyn Williams,JP guidance counsellor atCollege of Agriculture,

Science and Education (CASE)was on Saturday (November 17)consecrated as Bishop at a serviceheld at the Emmanuel ApostolicUnited Church of Christ Interna-tional (EAC), 12 Slipe RdKingston 5.Bishop Williams is a member of

the pioneer bach of the College ofAgriculture (COA) now a part ofCASE. He served as the pastor of the

local church at Snow Hill, Port-land and district overseer for theEAC churches in Portland and St.Mary and as well as the generalsecretary of the EAC Interna-tional.Over the past thirty years he

contributed to the agricultural sec-

tor working with the Ministry ofAgriculture in Portland, BlueMountain Coffee Co-op, JamaicaProducers Group, Banana ExportCompany and as part-time lecturerin the faculty of agriculture,CASE. Bishop Williams also served on

many civic committees in Portlandincluding chairmen of schoolboards, and as a Lay Magistrate atthe Port Antonio RM Court.

Joslyn Williams Consecrated as Bishop

Rev Joslyn Williams

Agriculturalist AC McDonald Dies

Alexander C. McDonald

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Imbued with the caring and dedication ofits predecessors, the Government FarmSchool, the Jamaica School of Agriculture;and later the College of Agriculture and thePassley Gardens Teachers’ College, CASEhopes to train a new generation of Ja-maicans, dedicated to a healthy, prosperousand productive Jamaica.The college has its roots in the Govern-

ment Farm School in Kingston, whichstarted in 1910 at Hope on the site, whichcurrently houses the University of Technol-ogy. At its inception, the school’s aim wasto train approximately 12 young men en-rolled at the time in the “art and science ofagriculture”. In its first decade, the school produced the

likes of Dr. T. P. Lecky, the late JamaicanAnimal Scientist who developed the Ja-maica Hope and Jamaica Black breeds ofcattle. The Jamaica Hope was named afterthe site of the Agricultural School and Gov-ernment Research Station.Jamaica School of Agriculture: 1942-

1981. In 1942, the Farm School was re-named Jamaica School of Agriculture (JSA)and in 1957 relocated to Twickenham Park,Spanish Town, the old capital of Jamaica. In1968, more than a half-century after theschool opened its doors, the first femalebatch of students was admitted. Today, more than half the student population

of CASE is female. An Act to repeal the JSAAct, tabled in Parliament in 1981, saw theclosure of the Jamaica School of Agricul-ture, and preparation for the birth of a newinstitution.

College of Agriculture: 1981-1995: TheCollege of Agriculture, located in PassleyGardens, Portland was established as a re-placement institution for the JSA.

The College of Agriculture Scheme Orderof 1981 gave birth to the new College ofAgriculture. The institution was mandatedto carry out teaching, research, and exten-sion programmes in agriculture.Passley Gardens Teachers’ College: 1981

–1995: The Passley Gardens Teachers’ Col-lege (PGTC) was established in 1981 tooffer Teacher Training to individuals in Port-land and its environs. The College initially offered the Joint

Board of Teacher Education (JBTE)Diploma in Primary Education and later in1994 the Diploma in Secondary Educationwith special emphasis on Science, Mathe-matics and Computer Studies. 1984 saw theCollege graduating its first cohort of stu-dents. The College subsequently went on todeliver the Post Certificate Programme tothen certified teachers who desired to up-grade their qualification to the Diploma inEducation. The Early Childhood Education Pro-

gramme which targeted individuals em-ployed in Infant Schools was offered at theCollege as well.CASE: 1995-Present: In 1995, based on a

recommendation of the Sherlock Report, theCOA was merged with the PGTC into oneinstitution: the College of Agriculture, Sci-ence and Education (CASE). With both institutions sharing the same lo-

cation, the opportunity offered an ideal part-nership for an institution aiming to offer thebest education to its students.

College of Agriculture, Science and Education- Graduation Feature 2012

CASE-a multi-disciplinary institutionThe College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) is nestled on a 254-hectare campus caressed by the lush green hillsides

and pristine coastline of the parish of Portland in eastern Jamaica. CASE is a multi-disciplinary institution offering training in ed-ucation, agriculture, management sciences and natural sciences to young men and women in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

DR ASTON WOODS SCHOLARSHIP: Three top agricultural studies students of the College of Agriculture, Science andEducation were awarded prestigious American scholarship by the Ole FarmersAssociation of North America (OFANA). In photo final year agriculture MauriceThomas (r) accepts the Dr Aston Woods Scholarship award from OFANA’s presi-dent Wendell Codner (r) and Andrea Woods, daughter of the late Dr. Woods.



College of Agriculture, Science and Education - Graduation Feature 2012

By Ronald Thwaites Minister of Education

It is indeed a pleasure for me to offer con-gratulations to this year’s graduatingclass of the College of Agriculture, Scienceand Education. You are now part of the distinguishedcadre of graduates who have embraced andenriched the programmes offered by theCASE for the past 17 years. The diversityof experience and qualities that youbrought to the programmes as students,have helped to shape and keep relevant thecurriculum for future cohorts.The sacrifices – emotional, physical andfinancial – that you made in pursuit of this

signal accomplishment have been signifi-cant. But no doubt they have contributedto your sense of character, which is as

portable as the college certification itself. Our society is marred by leadership ofthose who are only too willing to take theeasy road to attain selfish and narrow ends.It is my hope that as citizens and leadersyou will draw on your character, talent, ac-ademic and practical training to chart amore just and equitable society for all cit-izens.I am very proud of the achievements ofthis college and all of its graduates. I im-plore you to continue to strive for excel-lence as this will ensure that the positiveand sustained growth of this noble, multi -disciplinary institution be secured for ourbeloved country. May every success beyours for the future. God Bless You.

CASE AchievementsSome milestones and significant achieve-ments include. August 1997: ASc in Natural Science pro-gramme launchedMarch 2000: The UWI and UTech approvedthe ASc in Natural Science for Articulationof graduates into their related Bachelor’sDegree programmesAugust 2000: Community College Pro-

grammes officially launched February 2001:NCU approved the ASc in Natural Sciencefor Articulation of graduates into their re-lated Bachelor’s Degree programmes.August 2001: Bachelor of Technology pro-grammes launched.September 2002: CASE wins Life Insur-

ance Companies Association’s VivianRochester Memorial Mathematics Compe-tition, in the College category.January 2002: CASE acquired a 100-acre

commercial farm at Spring Gardens, BuffBay, PortlandNovember 2002: “Hopeton Fraser Well”

was commissioned and named in honor ofthe then PresidentAmong tertiary educational institutions in

Jamaica, CASE is distinctly unique: it is theonly tertiary institution dedicated to thetraining of students in the “art and science”of agriculture and allied disciplines. Thisrepresents CASE’s niche – the space to de-velop truly creative and innovative aca-demic programmes that are aligned with itsmandate, human and physical resource ca-pabilities, and national imperatives.The College is located 1.5 Km west of

Port Antonio, the capital of Portland – Ja-maica’s most beautiful parish.

A Distinguished Cadre of Graduates

CASE students showoff livestock equipment at Denbigh A CASE instructor demonstratesthe honey extactor to a farmer



It seems as though it were yesterday that youentered this noble institution as an aspirant fora career or for higher academic advancement. At times the journey to your destination ap-

peared arduous and unattainable but you perse-vered! Time has rolled around so quickly andhere we are taking delight to celebrate yourachievement of reaching yet another milestoneon your life’s journey –your graduation.As we join you in looking back to move for-

ward, I want you to place the word ‘transforma-tion’ into sharp focus. I know you are familiarwith the adage, “the only thing that is constantis change.” And, as you step out into the world today, be

cognizant that you will constantly have to be re-defining yourself to be a relevant competitor tosurvive in this fast shifting global paradigm. This therefore means that you will have to be-

come a possibility thinker; never see challengesbut rather opportunities and where there is a lackof resources you will have to tap into your re-sourcefulness.You have been trained and equipped with the

knowledge to go forth and make your contribu-tion to your chosen industry, industries in whichyou are being looked upon for leadership. Don’tbe daunted; take on the responsibility with hu-mility, discipline and a positive attitude. You are graduating at a very pivotal time in Ja-

maica’s history. It is the country’s Golden Jubilee

year. This is the year in which the stage is being set

for the nation to achieve first world status withintwo decades of the next 50 years. With this muchis expected of you. Therefore, ask not what yourcountry will do for you but rather, what will beyour contribution to a nation on such mission?Will you be able to boldly say, “We are on it!”We are living in a world where human, finan-

cial and other material resources are constantlydwindling and astute management is critical.Often times people become casualties of right-

sizing or downsizing –practices of the shiftingparadigm. Stay hungry for knowledge and seektraining to be globally competitive. This, your graduation is merely the beginning

of an end not a destination. Remember, success is never final.

You have been given a solid footing here atCASE, your lecturers are proud of you. Step outwith God’s guidance and you shall always walkthe glory road. Congratulations and I bless you with my best

wishes for your future.

Moses Jn Baptiste

St. Lucia Minister to speak atCASE 2012GraduationDistinguished College of

Agriculture, Science andEducation (CASE) graduate andMinister of Agriculture, FoodProduction, Fisheries and RuralDevelopment in St. Lucia,Moses Jn Baptiste will be thekeynote speaker at the CASE2012 graduation ceremony onNovember 29.

Responsibility with Humility, Discipline and Positive Attitude!

College of Agriculture, Science and Education- Graduation Feature 2012

By Mary A. NicholsCASE, President (acting)

CASE president, Mary A. Nichols (r) raps with CASE vice-president, John Lamey(l) and JAS president, Norman Grant at the launch of Denbigh 2012 in St Catherine.



College of Agriculture, Science and Education - Graduation Feature 2012

Derrick Heaven Chairs CASE BoardVeteran agriculturalist and executive

chairman of the Sugar Industry Au-thority Ambassador Derrick Heaven was re-cently appointed chairman of the board ofmanagement for the College of Agriculture,Science and Education (CASE). Other members of the board include for-mer Memeber of Parliament, East Port-land, Donald Rhodd, Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Agriculture, Donovan Stan-berry and former president, CASE, VictorWatt. CASE president, Mary Nichols, CalvinWeise, Veronica Palmer, Fazel Huie, ElonBeckford, Blossom O’meally Nelson, JohnGayle, Hansel Beckford and SylviaMitchell complete the board. “We need to be very clear on the training

we impart and to that end ensure it fits inwith national priorities; academic pursuitsand extension work. I am going to be relyingvery heavily on this faculty to establish alevel of self reliance where it can be attainedand ensure that the students who are in yourcharge leave this institution much morerounded and capable of demonstrating theirknowledge in a practical way,” AmbassadorHeaven said during a recent tour of the Col-lege.He urged the faculty members to seriously

redesign the curriculum to focus more on theentrepreneur side of agriculture. “You needto train students to be businessmen – agri-culture is a business. This has to be an inte-gral part of the training. They need to

understand what is happening in the marketplace.”He further lamented the act of praedial lar-

ceny as the crippling deterrent to agricul-tural production in the country and at thesame time pointed out agriculture as one ofthe most promising areas of growth.“ Themajor deterrent to agriculture is not invest-ment capital and I have been trying to getthis across. This institution has an important role to

play in ensuring that this area of activity re-ceives the prominence it deserves and is ableto deliver. The latest statistic from the PIOJshows that agriculture is the sector whichshows the most growth over the past fewmonths,” Ambassador Heaven explained.

Ambassador Derrick HeavenChair, CASE Board of Management

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TRADE & MARKET NEWSBy Jewel Brathwaite

Nonetheless, the Caribbean,the other party to that trade

row is not likely to forget the in-trigue and the economic impactexperienced from that issue. Thisis so even as this region looks toforge closer ties with some of thevery Latin American states thatwere the ring leaders in that dis-pute with Europe.Last week the international

media reported that the disputewhich surfaced in 1991 has beenbrought to a close following anagreement by the protagonists.Under their pact, the EU haspledged to lower tariffs on ba-nanas imported from the LatinAmerican producers, fromBds$448 (176 euros) a metrictonne to Bds$290 a metric tonneover the course of eight years.The11 Latin American countriessigning the accord are Brazil,Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador,Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua,Panama and Venezuela.A BBC report said that Latin

American banana exporters hadlong protested Europe’s tariffs de-signed to protect small growers inthe Caribbean and in Africa.The dispute, according to a

Newsweek commentary, startedwhen the EU expanded a protec-tionist policy that favoured theCaribbean producers. The newregulations imposed licensing re-strictions and other measures onLatin American bananas typicallygrown by three major fruit compa-nies – Dole, Delmonte and Chiq-uita.It is noteworthy that together

they had controlled about 75 percent of the world market for thefruit, compared to about three percent for the Caribbean growers.The funny thing about this was

that the Caribbean produced betterquality bananas, even if the pricewas higher than the competingfruits grown in Latin America. Sothere was nothing wrong in payinga higher price for a premium prod-uct. EU preferences helped the re-

gional growers to keep at leasteight per cent of the market in Eu-rope.

The US based Chiquita brandsprotested the EU action and sub-sequently lobbied the Americangovernment to take the matter be-fore the WTO.The WTO had declared most of

the banana regime illegal. TheWTO had begun in earnest lessthan 10 years after its establish-ment following the Uruguay traderound in 1994-1995, to flex itsmuscle on unfair trade practices.Trade preferences which was the

basis of the relationship especiallybetween the EU and the Caribbean(and Africa and the Pacific) fittedthe bill of unfair trade and there-fore had to be phased out. Many felt that the Caribbean had

been protected for too long andwith a changing world at the startof the 1990s once the cold war hadcome to an end, this region had towake up to the reality of competi-tion, open market and liberalisa-tion.The days of protectionism were

coming to an end as well. Tradeoffers a country an opportunity foreconomic growth, development,and the transfer of technology.Protectionism which includes

tariffs, and non-tariff barriers –trade preferences, licenses, quotas,rules of origin, export subsidies,sanitary and phyto-sanitary meas-ures, standards, foreign exchangerationing, etc etc – tend to hinderfree and fair trade.However, the same WTO and

the powers that dominate it woulddo well to look at itself and seewhere it continues to fall down. Toput it mildly the playing field hasnot been levelled.Some countries just do as they

like while preaching for smallerstates to adhere to the rules.The current case involving rum,

the failure to reach a conclusion atDoha since 2001 because keyplayers are not going to end sup-port to industries, and increasingevidence of protectionism raisequestions as to just how effectivethe WTO has been in insisting thatthe rules be followed.With the EU banana regime

found to be against the tenets offree trade, Caribbean producershave been hit hard and will con-

tinue to feel the effects of the latestinitiatives that settled the dispute.They have lost vital earnings

from declining banana exports.This has not only had a negativeimpact on their economies, butmany producers have opted toleave the industry.It did not go down well with

some including the former Secre-tary General of CARICOM Dr.Edwin Carrington. He could not

understand why the Latin Ameri-can countries which were pushingfor closer relations with theCaribbean mounted along with thefruit companies the type of cam-paign they did when they were al-ready hogging the market forbananas.In assessing the way forward the

Caribbean must where necessarydo the economic reforms that havebecome necessary.

Bitter banana trade war brought to an end



The Jamaica Agri-cultural Society

will be celebratingthe 9th anniversaryof its ‘Eat Jamaican’Day by giving thanksto God for the giftsof the land, our peo-ple/farmers, food andfor his mercies ex-tended through the passage of HurricaneSandy. This will be done through the ‘Eat Ja-

maican’ Ecumenical Service on Sunday,(November 25) at the New TestamentChurch of God, May Pen, Clarendon com-mencing at 8:00 am and followed by a briefexhibition of our Jamaican cuisine culture. The objectives of the Eat Jamaican Cam-

paign and this year’s anniversary include: • to demonstrate Jamaica as an agricultural

country and our richest heritage comes fromrural farming communities; • to remind those who have forgotten and

inform those who are too young to know ofthe dimensions of Jamaica’s farming sector,the colourful threads of this broad fabric -from the small subsistent farmer to the largefarming operations; the economic impor-tance in terms of jobs and income genera-

tion; the success stories,as well as the struggle forsurvival.• to lift the morale of

our farmers and theircommunities, stimulatetheir appetite for production, while, at thesame time, attracting new and young farmersto the sector.In this process the JAS itself should be

repositioned as the viable and relevant farm-ers’ organization adding value to its mem-bership by helping to create an atmospherewhere wealth can be generated for allthrough influencing policies that will bene-fit the sector.This year’s anniversary also brings into

sharpe focus the Jamaica import bill for agri-cultural produce is approximately US$1 bil-lions and with a reduction in the levels of thecountry’s Net International Revenues (NIR),we must take drastic measures to increaselocal production and increase local con-sumption of agricultural food and increaseexports.We therefore call on all Jamaicans, the

hotel industry, restaurants, churches andhomes across the country to eat Jamaicangrown or produced food.

JAS’ ‘EAT JAMAICAN DAY’ CELEBRATIONMeasures to Increase Local Production!

No Need to Increase FoodImports-Hayles

By Bryan Miller

Minister of State for Agriculture andFisheries, Hon. Ian Hayles, says

there are no plans to increase imports ofagricultural produce in the aftermath ofHurricane Sandy.He said that despite the estimated $2 bil-

lion in damage to the sector, adequatefoodstuff will be available to meet theneeds of consumers. “Let me make it quiteclear, there will be no importation…interms of the shortfall, the consumers ofthis country will have no problem,” hestated at a press conference at the RuralAgricultural Development Authority(RADA) office in Claremont, St. Ann,today (Oct. 31), prior to touring the parish.“We cannot continue to import day after

day, month after month, it has to come toa stop” he stated, noting that the country’shigh import bill for food far exceeds itsexport earnings.He noted that while the parishes of Port-

land and St. Mary were severely affected,and preliminary reports are showing some$50 million worth of damage in St. Ann,other food-producing parishes were not asbadly affected by the hurricane. These parishes, he assured, will be able

to meet needs, while the Ministry worksquickly to put the affected farmers backinto production. “So, in terms of imports,we are going to contain it, and at the sametime, it is critical that we do everythingnow to put the farmers back into produc-tion as soon as possible,” he stated.The tour was to see firsthand, the dam-

age to farms in the parish as a result of thehurricane, which hit the island on October24. Some 1, 500 farmers in St. Ann wereaffected and 70 hectares of crops dam-aged.Hayles issued an appealed for all af-

fected farmers to report the extent of theirdamage to their RADA office, so that anyavailable assistance can be channeled tothem as soon as possible.He said this is very important in ensur-

ing that they get back into productionearly.

By: Norman Grant,President, JAS Minister of State in the Ministry of

Agriculture and Fisheries, Ian Hayles(left), and Minister of Youth and Cul-ture and Member of Parliament forNorth East St. Ann, Lisa Hanna, in-spect Scotch Bonnet pepper that wasdestroyed during the recent passingof Hurricane Sandy. Looking on isParish Agricultural Manager for RuralAgricultural Development Authority(RADA) St. Ann, Donald Robinson.

THE JAMAICA 4-H CLUBS‘To Make The Best Better’

Providing Training For The Nation's Youths (Age 5-25)Creating Better Leaders For Tomorrow

THE JAMAICA 4-H CLUBS95 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica WI

Tel: 927-4050-2 • Fax: 978-3209E-mail: [email protected]• Website: www.jamaica4hclubs.com

Minister ofAgriculture

and Fisheries,Roger Clarke is ap-pealing to farmersto step up produc-tion levels and forconsumers to con-sume more localproduce to cut thefood import bill,which is running ata p p r o x i m a t e l yUS$930 million perannum.He noted that

while all food needscannot be ade-quately met at cur-rent levels ofproduction, studieshave shown thatthere is the capabil-ity to substitute upto 30 per cent offood imports.“We can make a

dent on that (foodimport bill) and wecan save up toUS$300 million ifwe produce more ofthe things that weuse locally,” Minis-ter Clarke said re-cently. “If we want agri-

culture to grow, wehave to do twothings; we mustproduce more ofwhat we eat and ex-port more,” headded.

Jamaica can slashFood Imports byUS$300 M per year

Roger ClarkeAgriculture andFisheries Minister



For a NewPuppy

•Chop any cooked food very finely– NOBONES!•Until 3 months of age the puppy shouldbe fed four times daily• From 3 to 6 months –three times a day• From 6 to 12 months – twice a day• Introduce new foods graduallyAlways prepare and serve food under

clean conditions• Do not serve hot food – let it cool first• Remember milk is not a meal by itself• Provide plenty of fresh water and checkit several times a dayCommercial puppy chow is a balanced

diet, and provides all the minerals and vita-mins required by a growing pup. For thevery young ones the feed may be mois-tened.

VaccinationsVaccinating boosts the immunity of the an-imal, and is especially important for youngpuppies, as it provides them with the abilityto fight off infection all through adult life. Ideally, the first vaccination should be

given at 6 weeks, and subsequently at three-week intervals until 16 weeks of age. Atthe same time de-worming is recommendedat 17-21 days, and then every 3 weeks inconjunction with vaccination.

HeartwormThis condition is spread by the bite of

mosquitoes, and can be fatal. All animalsshould be given regular heartworm protec-

tion medication, especially puppies. A blood test is performed by 6 months of

age to ensure the animal is clear, the pro-phylactic is administered, and continuedthereafter on a monthly basis. Routine testing should be done at least

once a year. Symptoms vary, but commonsigns are coughing, weight loss, lack of en-ergy, depression and shortness of breath. Heartworm can be treated, but the treat-

ment is very expensive, and total rest is aMUST for at least four weeks afterwards.There is no guarantee that the animal willstay free of heartworm, and monthly pro-phylactics should continue to be given. Inthe long run prevention is better, andcheaper, than cure (J.S.P.C.A.’s prices arevery reasonable).

Contact:Jamaican Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animal929-0320:

[email protected] www.jspca.info

Pet Care

Family Treats Snacks

PLYEN LTD1 Molynes Road, Kingston 10929-8425 • 926-2099

[email protected]

The Rual Agricultural Development Au-thority (RADA) communicates with

farmers through text messages sent to reg-istered farmers prior, during and after a dis-aster to help farmers in managing theiroperations. Brochures on disaster preventa-tive measures are available at the RADAparish offices and at our websitewww.rada.gov.jm .

What farmers should dobefore a hurricane:

Check radio weather broadcasts periodi-cally for latest forecasts and warningsMaintain drains, check dams, diversion of

ditches as necessary.Keep fruit trees no more than 15 feet tall

and not overhanging buildings.Cut back tree branches and open the

canopy so wind passes through readily thusreducing the level of damage during thestorm.Reap matured fruits and store in a cool,

dry place for use after the event.Make a checklist of all farm animalsRemove cattle and small ruminants from

low lying areas to higher ground away fromriver banks and areas likely to have land-slides or flooding.Stockpile feed and place at least 2 feet

above ground in dry, flood-resistant andleak-proof areas to last at least one week.Remove irrigation lines and equipment

and store in area secured from damage.Establish protected seedling production

centres for early replanting after a hurri-cane.

During a Hurricane:Maintain open communications with all

farm personnelNever prune during the hurricaneNever shelter under a tree during the hur-

ricane. Trees attract lightning and are there-fore dangerous to humans and livestock.Stay away from broken branches and up-

rooted trees.Do not risk your life trying to save ani-

mals from drowning

After a Hurricane:Call your RADA extension officer, Parish

office, farmers' group representative, Agri-culture Emergency Operations Centre andreport the damage caused by the hurricane.Assess property for damage to buildings,

animals, crops, equipment etc.Be alert and look for fallen or broken high

powered electrical wires which may still bealive and dangerous.Do not turn on electrical devices until

proper checks by a competent person con-firm it is safe to do so.Dispose of dead animals immediately, by

burial or burning. Report signs of livestockdistress/infection to livestock officer or vet-erinarian.In cutting broken or fallen trees, make

sharp, clean cuts at a 45 degree angle to pre-vent water settling on the cut surface.

For further information, contact your ex-tension officer, your RADA parish office orcall our toll free number 1-888-ASK-RADAor 1-888-275-7232.

Jamaican Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to Animal

“Committed to Heal, Rescue and Protect”The JSPCA mandates to promote kindness to animals,

prevent abuse and reduce fear, pain and suffering.

Contacts:10 Winchester Road, Kingston 10

Te l : (876) 929-0320: Fax: (876) 754-4594Emai l : [email protected]; jspca@kasnet .com

Caymanas Park(Meadow Vale entrance ) Portmore, St. Catherine

Tel : 998-4997 / 704-4278(Open we ek- ends Only)

Brandon Hi l l,14 Coke Avenue, Brandon Hill, Montego Bay, St James

Tel : 797-2973-4www.jspca.info

Hurricane Tips for Farmers


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