Maintenance of a National Praedial Larceny database which is able to highlight and map praedial larceny hotspots, larceny types and frequency in collaboration with JCF’s Geo Statistics Unit.

Accordingly we will be promoting the establishment of certified organic farms and products that can attract niche markets and high price points.

The Ministry and its Divisions will also collaborate with local educational institutions such as the University of the West Indies (UWI), and the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) to conduct research activities for the conservation of local biodiversity and HEART/NSTA for training and development programmes.

For the 2022-2023 financial year, $52.5 million has been allocated towards:… Development of an attraction at the Montpelier Research Station in St. James.

For the 2022-2023 financial year, $52.5 million has been allocated towards:… Establishment of a rainwater harvesting and distribution system in Castleton and Cinchona Botanical Gardens;

For the 2022-2023 financial year, $52.5 million has been allocated towards: Increasing access to local and endemic plants through maintenance of the four public gardens and two scenic avenues;

Providing the agricultural sector with over $1 billion annually to incentivize and drive production and this year is no different, with a provision of $1.07 billion for Production Incentive Programme (PIP) and $670 million for the Farm Road programme. Madam Speaker, for the upcoming financial year, $884.5 million has been allocated under the PIP

Providing the agricultural sector with over $1 billion annually to incentivize and drive production and this year is no different, with a provision of $1.07 billion for Production Incentive Programme (PIP) and $670 million for the Farm Road programme. Madam Speaker, for the upcoming financial year, $884.5 million has been allocated under the PIP

Under our National theme, “Grow Smart, Eat Smart” the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is proposing a Farm in Schools Programme as a joint initiative with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This initiative will complement the efforts of the School Feeding Programme (SFP). Additionally, it will see the government adopting a National Farm in School Policy aimed at teaching students the dynamics of agriculture and fisheries and promoting nutritious eating from an early age

Madam Speaker, on Labour Day we will be launching our Planting with a Purpose (PWP) drive. We have reached an agreement with Noranda Bauxite as our first partner under this programme where areas of bauxite lands that will not be mined are going to grow orchard crops as part of our food security initiative. These acreages when planted will at the same time contribute to the National three (3) million trees planting programme. We are encouraging all Jamaicans to plant at least one fruit tree this Labour Day. Our Parish RADA offices provide fruit trees and seedlings to support this initiative. Please note that this will be done on a first come first serve basis.

National Agriculture and Fisheries Day is declared and celebrated annually.

Reduce the cost of Animal feed. A) Bodles Research station has established 42 acres of Mombasa grass. This grass will be used to make hay and silage and sell to small farmers at cost. B) Jamaica will pursue trade and investment opportunities with Guyana and local companies in the area of growing corn (in Guyana) for the Jamaican livestock industry. C) Reduction of wastage of feed which will be addressed in a project by Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB) to enhance the formulation of local animal feeds in both silage and pelletised forms.

Backyard Garden Kits: We will further expand our very successful backyard gardening programme this year as we continue to encourage the growing of vegetables and smallstock, especially in urban spaces. We intend to distribute some $15 million worth of backyard farm kits through RADA on a first come benefit basis to support this initiative

Launch of Wheat Flour substitution programme with support from the Government of Cuba to target breadfruit and cassava to create gluten free flour as a healthy alternative to wheat.

Establishing a Research and Development station for Aquaculture which has scope for private partnership and Launch of Pelagic Fish Initiative.