VOL.22 NO.

5 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2011

365-2054

By The Agriculturalist Reporters ome January next year, local companies which export to the US will face increased inspections under the new Act by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It enables FDA to more effectively guard against food-borne illness by focusing on prevention, as opposed to reacting to contamination and other food safety problems after they happen.
The FDA claimed that because a high percentage of some foodssuch as seafood and fresh fruitserved in U.S. households and restaurants are imported, the law gives FDA important new authority to hold imported foods to the same standards as domestic foods. This authority includes: Importer accountability - For the first time, importers have an explicit responsibility to verify that their foreign suppliers have adequate controls in place to ensure that the food they produce is safe. Third-party certification - It establishes a program through which qualified third parties can certify that foreign food facilities comply with U.S. food safety standards. This certification may be used to facilitate the entry of imports. Certification for high-risk foodsFDA has the authority to require that imported foods that are at high risk of contamination have credible third-party certification or other assurance of com-

Exporters Face More Restrictions

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pliance, as a condition of entry into the U.S. The third party could be a private company or a governmental entity. Voluntary qualified importer programFDA must establish a voluntary program for importers that provides for expedited review and entry of foods from participating importers. Eligibility is limited to, among other things, importers offering food from programme-certified facilities. Authority to deny entry FDA can refuse entry into the U.S. of food from a foreign facility, if the agency is denied inspection access by the facility or the country in which the facility is located. The law also directs FDA to develop a plan to expand the technical, scientific, and regulatory food safety capabilities of foreign governments and their industries. Part of the plan includes training foreign governments and food producers on U.S. food safety requirements.

BLACK FARMER IN JAMAICA: Jamaican born UK farmer Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones (left), presents a copy of his black farmer cookbook to former president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Senator Norman Grant, following a luncheon hosted by the JAS at the Courtleigh Hotel, New Kingston, recently. At centre is JAS President, Glendon Harris.

JAMAICAN DOING GOOD IN UK

amaican-born Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, Britain leading black farmer, and head of the 8 million Black Farmer brand which produces meats, sausages and sauces for the UK market, visited Jamaica, recently. Emmanuel-Jones who was making his umpteenth trip back home since rediscovering his roots in Clarendon several years ago, was here as a guest of the National Commercial Bank (NCB), which had invited him to be the guest presenter at their Nation Builder Awards ceremony on October 25. "I want to launch in Jamaica next year," he said, adding that his medium- and long-term plans also include Black Farmer restaurants and brand of Blue Mountain coffee.

Turns To Home Market

During the visit he met with Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon Robert Montague, the leadership of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) and business leaders to discuss the possibility of exporting his famous brand of food products to Jamaica. He was born in Frankfield, Clarendon in 1957 and moved to the UK with his parents in 1961. He grew up in Birmingham, joined the British Army, became a chef and appeared on BBC TVs Food and Drink, before going into farming. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the British Tory party in the 2010 General Election in Chippenham.

2 THE AGRICULTURALIST SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2011

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n recent years the US media has frequently reported that their consumers have been facing widespread outbreaks of food borne illnesses tied to foodssuch as spinach, peanut butter and eggsthat are staples of the American diet.
With several hundreds of the cases resulting in serious health issues and death, the US government is taking steps to prevent or reduce these outbreaks by developing what is called the tools needed to rapidly track down foods that may be contaminated. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law by US President Obama on January 4, 2011. It aims to ensure that US food supplies are safe, by shifting the focus of federal regulators from responding to contamination to preventing it. The mission is to keep unsafe foods, drugs, devices and other products from reaching US consumers. Among the prevention measures used by the Food and Drug Administration, is the issuance of import alerts, to keep po-

Jamaican consumers also need protection!

EDITORIAL PAGE
tentially dangerous products from other countries out of the U.S. marketplace. More responsibility is being placed on importers to verify that the products they export are not contaminated. Come January 2012, Jamaica and other countries exporting to the US will face increased inspections under the new Act by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For the first time, exporters to the US will be specifically required to have a programme to verify that the food products they are bringing into the country are safe. Fresh fruits and vegetables are increasingly recognized as a source of foodborne outbreaks in many parts of the world, and not just the US. This reflects a convergence of in-

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2011 THE AGRICULTURALIST 3

Focal Point
PATRICK MAITLAND
by
Publisher -The Agriculturalist editor@theagriculturalist.com

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

ugar futures look a better bet than coffee and, especially, cocoa, thanks to the fears of further setbacks to output of the sweetener in Brazil, the top producer, Commerzbank said. The bank said that arabica coffee futures would average 250 cents a pound in New York in the last quarter of the year, in line with current prices, given that the seasonal risk of frost has abated, and what damage was caused by cold weather should "be already digested". And it lowered by $300 a tonne, to $2,700 a tonne, its forecast for New York cocoa futures in the October-to-December period, reflecting an estimate of a world production surplus in 2010-11 which the International Cocoa Organisation has pegged at a 22-year high of 325,000 tonnes. The ICCO last week lifted its estimate for the world cocoa output in 2011-12 to a modest surplus over demand, from ideas of a small deficit. "The price of cocoa does not look impressed by these developments," Commerzbank said. 'Productivity may continue to drop' However, the bank forecast New York's near-term raw sugar lot averaging 27.0 cents a pound in the last quarter of 2011, dropping to 26 cents a pound in the following quarter prices higher than the market is factoring in. Commerzbank price forecasts for cocoa, coffee and sugar futures:

Sugar outlook 'better bet' than cocoa or coffee

By Agrimoney.com Cocoa: Q4 2011, $2,700 a tonne; Q1 2012, $2,700 a tonne; Q2 2012, $2,800 a tonne Arabica coffee: Q4 2011, 250 cents a pound; Q1 2012, 230 cents a pound; Q2 2012, 200 cents a pound Robusta coffee: Q4 2011, $2,100 a tonne; Q1 2012, $1,900 a tonne; Q2 2012, $1,850 a tonne Raw sugar: Q4 2011, 27.0 cents a pound; Q1 2012, 26 cents a pound; Q2 2012, 23 cents a pound New York's October sugar lot stood below 26 cents a pound in midday trading in New York, with the March 2012 contract trading under 25 cents a pound. While output prospects had improved in many countries, the outlook for Brazil remained in question, given growers' reluctance to renew plantations. "There are fears that productivity in the ageing [cane] plantations may continue to drop unless countermeasures are initiated without delay," the bank said. "Most sugar cane producers are keen to profit from the high prices and. are reluctant to replant their fields, as this would mean waiting more than a year for the first cropping."

creasing consumption of fresh produce, changes in production and distribution, and a growing awareness of the problem on the part of public health officials. Jamaican producers and farmers are not the American problem, as Jamaican food accounts for less than 1% of the total US food imports and no serious cases of food poisoning have been linked to Jamaica. Furthermore, most of the foodborne

outbreaks are linked to domestic American farms and processing facilities. Therefore, improving Jamaicas processing facilities may not be of much much help to Americans, but the Jamaican consumers will benefit significantly. Jamaica should, however, put in place similar Food Safety Modernization Laws, to protect our consumers from tainted imported foods from the US and other countries.

In tribute to George Barnes

This at a time when China's imports look set to rise to 2.5m tonnes in 2011-12, to meet a deficit caused by rising demand at a time when "production has actually been declining for years, due in part to the fact that other products have often won the battle for planting acreage". "We expect prices to remain rather high, especially as uncertainties regarding productivity and weather conditions are not likely to end," Commerzbank said, cautioning investors to prepare for significant price swings too. "Sugar is likely to live up to its reputation as a volatile market."

Admin/Advertising Director: Susan Wissant Advertising Executives: Nordia Paul; Bernadette Kerr Consulting Editors: Vincent Wright, Jairzenho Bailey

Publisher: Patrick Maitland

'Prices to remain rather high' Furthermore, output in Thailand, the second-ranked exporter, looked set to fall short of last season's record of 9.6m tonnes, and in third-ranked Australia, production also remain "below the normal amount", if up 600,000 tonnes to 4.2m tonnes year on year.

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By Norman Grant JAS, vice-president he Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) notes with regret the passing of one of our heroes in the agricultural sector, George Barnes. Barnes served the farmers and the people of Jamaica with commitment, dedication, purpose and distinction. He was also as a dedicated employee of JAS where he was Branch Organizer for Kingston and St. Andrew-JAS. After retirement, he served in the volunteer arm of the Kingston and St Andrew Association of Branch Societies, and in the 1980s was treasurer of the ABS, and continued to be a member of the JAS for over 60 years. He was a pioneer in the cooperative movement, having been a founding member in the establishment of the St Andrew Coffee Co-operative. Barnes was a team player and one that embraced change and youth involvement in the JAS. Sincere condolences to his children, grandchildren and entire family. Our prayers are with you. May his soul rest in peace and light shine on him always.

THE LATE GEORGE BARNES

The home-going Service of Thanksgiving for the life and work of the late Raymond Brown, father of agriculturalists Geneva and Roy "Izak" Murray, will be held on Saturday November 12, 2011 at the Church of God of Prophecy Convention Centre, 41 Old Harbour Road, Spanish Town at 10:a.m. Interment in the Dovecot Memorial Park.

Condolence to Sylvester Christie, Export Complex Manager of the Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection Branch on the recent passing of his mother, Ms Ives Watson. The funeral service for Ms Watson will be held on Saturday Nov 05, 2011 at the Halifax Church of God Halifax, St Ann at 11:00 am. Interment will be in the family plot at Halifax. Rose Howard-McFarlane of Cambridge St James died on October 31,2011 at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, St. James. She was formerly employed at the Hanover Land Authority as an Extension Officer in the 1980's and then later served as head of the Agriculture Department at Hampton High School, St Elizabeth.
Send info: editor@theagriculturalist.com

4 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2011

$250 million special line of credit to be made available to farmers of onion and Irish potato has been announced by the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ). The objective of the line of credit is to increase the production of both crops by established farmers with a proven track record. The arrangement resulted from a request by Agriculture Minister Robert Montague, who asked the DBJ to join with the National Peoples Cooperative Bank (NPCB) to source the funds. The DBJ will lend $250 million to the NPCB which will disburse the funds to farmers in the amount of up to $2 million per borrower at 7% interest per annum, over a loan term of four to six months. To participate, farmers must be registered with the Rural Agriculture Development Authority (RADA), must have a contracted buyer and must attend the Farmer Field School training programme.

Special line of credit for Onion and Irish Potato farmers

---------------------------------

he European Union (EU), the world's largest grower of sugar beets, wants to stop limits on domestic sugar production in 2015. Sugar quotas should expire on September 30, 2015, the European Commission, the EU's regulatory arm, said. At the moment, the quotas cap how much sugar can be produced for the EU's domestic market. The EU spent four years, since 2006, shrinking its sugar- beet industry to comply with a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling limiting exports, turning the EU into a net importer. As a result, Nestl is among the food companies to complain of a lack of supplies, reported ingredientsnetwork.com. The WTO ruling limits EU exports of subsidised sugar to 1.37 million metric tons. Beet growers have been asking to increase the amount of sugar they can ship outside the region, as well as how much can be sold for food use within the bloc.

EU wants to stop sugar production limits

obert Montague, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and his State Minister, JC Hutchinson, retained their posts in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, which was sworn in at King's House on Tuesday (October 25). The Cabinet members were sworn in by Governor- General, Patrick Allen. In his remarks following the appointments, Holness said the Cabinet reflected the capacity of the representation in Parliament, and also represented hard work, innovation and the new direction in which he plans to chart the government. The members of the Cabinet are: Prime Minister Holness, as Minister of Defence and Education; Dr. Kenneth Baugh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Audley Shaw, Minister of Finance and Planning; Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism; Senator Dwight Nelson, Minister of National Security and Leader of Government Business in the Senate. Christopher Tufton has retained his portfolio as Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce; Horace Chang, Minister of Housing, Environment, Water and Local Government; Pearnel Charles, Minister of Labour and Social Security; Rudyard Spencer, Minister of Health; Olivia Babsy Grange, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture; Lester Michael Henry, Minister of Transport and Works; Clive Mullings, Minister of Energy and Mining; and Delroy Chuck, Minister of Justice and Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives. Changes were made in the portfolio responsibilities of Daryl Vaz, who remains Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Telecommunications and Public Sector Efficiency instead of information; Senator Arthur Williams, the Minister without portfolio in the Cabinet

Montague and Hutchinson Retained Their Positions

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Office with responsibility for Public Service is now in charge of Information; and Shahine Robinson is now Minister without portfolio in Ministry of Housing, Environment, Water and Local Government with responsibility for Local Government. The Ministers of State are Dr. St Aubyn Bartlett, Ministry of National Security; Laurence Broderick, Ministry of Energy and Mining; Neville Andrew

Robert Montague Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries

Gallimore, Ministry of Labour and Social Security; Othneil Lawrence, Ministry of Transport and Works; Desmond Gregory Mair, Ministry of Education; Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Senator Warren Newby, Youth, Sports & Culture; and Michael Stern, Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

JC Hutchinson State Minister-Agriculture and Fisheries

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\

he All-Island Coffee Growers' Association has blasted the Government for the planned divestment of the state-owned Wallenford Coffee Company, which it describes as the island's most prized coffee asset. "The Wallenford brand is the most recognised brand in the world. The brand should never be divested," said Oswald O'Neally, president of the association. O'Neally said the coffee company "should be kept and owned by the people of Jamaica," adding that "it was built on the blood and sweat of the farmers" and questioning "what are we going to have for our heritage?" Wallenford Coffee Company is the largest licensed processor of coffee beans, processing both Jamaica Blue Mountain and High Mountain coffee. The company owns about 2,430 acres of land, of which

Coffee Farmers Blast Privatization of Blue Mountain Coffee

NEWS

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2011 THE AGRICULTURALIST 5

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
We need to recruit an experienced Agronomist and Crop Production Specialists with the following specialties to provide long and/or short term professional operational services for a major development project in a member state of the Caribbean Community: Project Agronomist Crop Production Specialist - Banana Crop Production Specialist - Papaya Crop Production Specialist - Pineapple Pasture Specialist - Grass & Legume Post harvest & Packaging Specialist If you believe you possess the requisite skills and experience to perform any of the above functions with an acceptably high degree of proficiency, submit your resume.

us

griculture and Fisheries Minister, Robert Montague has announced a 23% price increase in the price of cocoa to farmers. The farmers will now be paid J$ 2,000 as total payment per box of wet cocoa for the October/2011 to September 2012 crop from J$1, 620.00 last year. The increase was approved at a recent Board of Directors meeting where the Board projected 900 metric tonne (MT) for the 2011/2012 crop. The cess paid to group collectors and secretaries per wet box is also to be increased from J$40.00 per wet box each to J$50.00 for the 2011/2012 crop year. Minister Montague, says the government has an aggressive plan to increase cocoa production locally and the increased price to the farmers is an important element of that plan. Cocoa production has been declining for many years and there is a huge overseas market for Jamaican cocoa which we are not meeting. An increase in local production would not only mean enhanced rural development but also generate jobs in many poor, deep rural communities. Historically, cocoa farmers have always responded positively to price increases by producing more and I am confident the cocoa farmers will rise to the call to produce more the Agriculture Minister said.

Cocoa Price Increased by 23%

405 acres are under coffee cultivation. It also operates factory and processing facilities, several farms in the Blue Mountain region, a pulpery, as well as property located on Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston. Its assets total some $2.77 billion, with capital and reserves of $445.3 million as at July 2011, according to documentation in the Jamaica Public Bodies, published by the Ministry of Finance. It was projected to lose $1.5 million for its latest financial year, having amassed an accumulated deficit of $1.5 billion. The industry is currently experiencing a decline with sales down 40 per cent due to the softening of the major market in Japan, which traditionally purchased 85 per cent of the total crop. It has meant reduced earnings for both farmers and exporters of the crop, which usually earn about US$25 million annually.

Agricultural Professionals

Farm Life Foundation

Coming Soon

Meanwhile, Secretary Manager of the CIB, Steve Watson, says for the past two crop years adverse weather conditions have negatively affected production, but notes this year is different. We believe this years weather conditions have been favourable and barring no weather disasters we can achieve the increase in production from 213MT to 900 MT we have projected. We will also benefit from the significant investment in the sector by our multilateral donor partners, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the European Union (EU) who have rehabilitated approximately 2000 acres of neglected cocoa fields. This has set the stage for improved production over last year Mr. Watson said.

Steve Watson Secretary Manager, CIB

Experienced Agro Processing professionals are needed for long and/or short term employment to develop and produce value added products from farm production. The locus of operation will be in a member state of the Caribbean Community. There is need for the following 4 specialists: HACCP Quality Control Factory Manager Quality Manager

Agro Processing Professionals

To guide and develop a program leading to ISO and HACCP certification and to other food quality standards with western hemispheric currency.
Submit Application and Resume: E-mail: agriculturalist@gmail.com Please submit resume on
or before December 1, 2011

6 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2011

abinet has recently given approval for the appointment of 14 members to the Board of Directors of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs. They will serve for two years with effect from September 2011. Minister with responsibility for information, Daryl Vaz who was speaking at a Post Cabinet Press Briefing said Mr. Vindell Kerr has been reappointed as Chairman of the Board. Additional members of the Board are: Devon Wint, Damion Barker, Collin Virgo, Albert Shand, Kavan Gayle, Phillip Andrew Bunting, Yaneke Watson, Andrew Blake, Jacqueline Hendricks, Beulah Smith, Marsha Dennie, Tova Hamilton and Jean NesbethYoung. Jamaica 4H mission is to mobilize, educate, and train young people between the ages of 9 25 years in agri-

14 Appointed To 4-H Clubs Board

FOCUS ON JAMAICA 4-H CLUBS

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culture, homemaking, leadership and social skills, which will prepare them for or influence them into careers in agriculture and agro-related occupations, and provide a cadre of trained young leaders, capable of contributing to national development.

Vindell Kerr Chair, Jamaica 4-H Clubs

Thank You Sir: Jamaica 4H Clubs executive director Lenworth Fulton presents a trophy to a clubbite at the Denbigh Show 2011 Youth in Agriculture Awards Ceremony.

THE JAMAICA 4-H CLUBS

Creating Better Leaders For Tomorrow
95 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica WI Tel: 927-4050-2 Fax: 978-3209 E-mail:jamaica.4h@cwjamaica.com Website: www.jamaica4hclubs.com Providing Training For The Nation's Youths (Age 5-25)

To Make The Best Better

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2011 THE AGRICULTURALIST 7

One College Many Opportunities

Agriculture & Fisheries Minister, Robert Montague, examines freshly reaped rice he harvested using a state-of the-art rice harvester donated by the Archer Daniels . Midland (ADM) Cares to rice farmer Dr. Hershell Lindo. The harvesters valued at some US$300,000 has the capacity to reap some 22-25,000 tonnes of rice within a 10hr workday. -MOA Photo

R I C E HA RV E S T E R :

Deninis Valdez, managing director of Newport Fersan (3rd l) holds the Manufacturer of the Year cup while (l-r) Custos of Kingston and St. Andrew, Steadman Fuller, Mr. Karl Butch Hendrickson, Chairman of EXIM Bank, Lisa Bell, Managing Director of EXIM Bank and President of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association, Brian Pengelley look on. The presentation took place at the JMA annual awards ceremony held recently in Kingston.

M A N U FA C T U R E R O F T H E Y E A R :

Bachelor of Technology Degree Agriculture Production & Food Systems Management Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science Bachelor of Science Degree in Crop Science Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education Bachelor of Education-Primary Associate of Science Degree in General Agriculture Associate of Science Degree

ASc. in Agriculture or Natural Science Bachelor of Technology Degree in Environmental Science ASc. in Agriculture or Natural Science Bachelor in Science Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Studies Associate of Science Degree in Business/Hospitality, Entertainment & Tourism Associate of Science Degree in Natural Science Associate of Science Degree in Business Studies Associate of Science Degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management Diploma in Teaching by Advanced Placement (Agriculture, Science and Business Studies)

Past President of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association, Doreen Frankson presents the Breakthrough Product to Agricultural Chemical Plants managing director Graham Dunkley for their eco-friendly Tropi-gro Insect Powder, at the JMA annual awards ceremony held recently in Kingston.

BREAK T HROU GH PROD U C T OF T HE YEAR:

P.O. Box 170, Port Antonio, Portland Tel: 993-5377; 993-5558; 993-5628 Fax: 993-5559 Website: www.case.edu.jm

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, SCIENCE AND EDUCATION

For further information contact: Office of Admissions (Registry)

8 THE AGRICULTURALIST OCTOBERT-SEPTEMBER 2011

By Raymond Martin rdmartinja@gmail.com amaica and the rest of the world are struggling with the challenges of food security. Food is available yet inefficient distribution and inequities in income are increasing the number of people who go hungry. One positive sign that has emerged, is organic production. The benefits of organic production include: an equal to conventional in output; organic produce remains fresh and healthy longer; the produce has less toxic chemicals; and organic farming sustains and preserves our food biodiversity. These activities also reduce health costs, both to the nation and personal finances, for illnesses that account for a significant proportion of death and diseases. Organic produce have higher nutrient value. The production is easier and more affordable for small farmers, who provide the bulk of local provisioning and it prevents landslides and land and crop loss during floods and disasters. Organic farming contributes to climate change mitigation and reduction, having 46 -66% less carbon emissions than conventional farms. State of organic agriculture Organic groups worldwide are actively working to protect local biodiversity. Members of the Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement (JOAM) are currently stewarding Indian kale, whitehouse banana and other crops. The global market for organic food and drink is US$55 billion (Organic Monitor, 2011). This is an increase from the US$18 billion made in 2000. Demand for organic is concentrated in Europe and North America and, according to the World of Organic Agriculture, 2011, there were 1.6 million organic producers in 2009.

Organic Production and Food Security

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RADA officers, islandwide, have also been trained and twenty eight farmer training workshops have been held.

ORGANIC FARMING: (l-r) Brian Wedderburn, president, Bluefields Organic Farmers Association; Aaron Williams, director of the U.S. Peace Corps; Patrick Marti, Peace Corps volunteer and Raymond Martin, chairman, Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement (JOAM) during a recent visit to the 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C. JOAM was among several other organisations that staged a display at the festival which seeks to promote culture and food from all other the world.

2. Increased labour costs Labour requirements are dependent on the management practices employed by each farmer. It is possible to have an organic operation which is mechanized. However, most farmers rely heavily on manual labour, and conversion will result in increased labour requirements for scouting, compost building and weed management. The key to reducing costs is to integrate activities. It is recommended that farmers scout for pests and maintain soil barriers while weeding. 3. Reduction in yields during conversion If the soils are degraded, there will be a decline in production during the conversion period. Therefore, support for farmers during the conversion period needs to be seriously considered.

What makes a product organic? A product is considered organic if it was produced and processed in accordance with an organic standard, which outlines minimum production practices and handling requirements which must be followed for the product to be labelled and sold as organic. Steps should also be taken to protect the organic integrity during handling, and the

Production is increasing in the rest of the world, but what about Jamaica? Local promotion of organic agriculture is being led by JOAM. It has published an organic handbook, worked with the Ministry of Agriculture to draft an organic policy and with the Bureau of Standards Jamaica to draft the CARICOM Code of Practice for Organic Production. There are currently three certified organic farms in Jamaica and four applications are being processed. There is potential for rapid growth. There are now more than 40 farmers who have started the process of conversion, and are producing using organic principles. There is also increasing demand for the produce and several hotels, restaurants and supermarkets offering organic produce. Unfortunately most of this demand is currently being met by imports.

product must not be mixed with conventional products, prior to reaching the consumer.

Farmers tending to the composite plot

Steps in the certification process The Producer/Processor contact the certification body (JOAM in Jamaica) and completes an application form. The certification body reviews the application and, if it fulfills the requirements, an inspector is sent to the farm/processing facility. The inspector reviews the application with applicant, and inspects farm, then writes a report and submits it to the certification body. The certification body reviews the report and, if the requirements are met, then a certificate is issued.

How can you identify organic products? You cannot tell by looking. Someone has to verify organic integrity from the point of production. Organic certification is when a third party gives written assurance, that a product has been assessed and conforms to the specified organic standards. JOAM has established a local certification system, and works with CERES for international certification.

Growth of the sector in Jamaica has been slow due to several challenges. These include: 1. Organic farming being knowledge intensive. Most producers enter the sector with a misconception of what it means to be an organic producer. Some believe that it is production using organic fertilizers, while others believe that it is simply producing without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The reality is that organic is knowledge intensive, and requires planning and knowledge of good farming practices and record keeping. It is proactive /holistic and not reactive. Knowledge gaps are being addressed through training. Under the Food and Agriculture Organisation administered European Commission Global Food Security Facility 12, demonstration sites have been established and 26 persons have been trained by International Organic Inspectors Association as crop inspectors, and 15 as livestock inspectors.

Challenges and the way forward

4. Misconceptions: Organic cannot feed the world: Research has shown that organic production systems are as productive as conventional systems. The world is not short of food. However, the poor have limited access to food. Organic relies on local inputs, making it a valuable tool in developing rural economies. Organic produce are smaller: Once the soil balance has been restored, organic production levels are not usually less than nonorganic production levels. It is true that there are differences in performance of varieties. Much work is required to develop varieties that are suitable for organic systems. Organic crops have more pests: The avoidance of synthetic pesticides and increased diversity on the farm results in improved natural predator-prey interactions. Organic systems must use crop rotation, which breaks pest cycles and reduces pest incidence. Another basic rule in organic, is that farmers work with nature instead of against nature and must have knowledge of conditions that pests like. The caterpillars that affect callaloo love hot, dry conditions. Therefore, farmers on the southern plains have serious problems during the summer months. Organic farmers in these areas should increase the use of protective barriers during this period, or avoid growing this crop. Organic production is very valuable on so many levels. If preservation of indigenous plants, health of the environment and the health of people are important to our nation, then it needs to be taken seriously, encouraged and included at the Ministry level, as part of the whole agricultural sector, and offered incentives that can be utilized to grow organic farms. Due to specialised requirements, incentives differ. After a hurricane organicfarmers are usually offered conventional seeds and synthetic fertilizers, which are incompatible with organic systems. For further information JOAM may be contacted at 858-9342 or joam@joamltd.org.

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By Marina Young Senior Plant Health / Food Safety Specialist, RADA youngm@rada.gov.jm inger rhizome rot is considered as one of the major limiting factor of ginger production in Jamaica. Conditions caused by the pest complex. The main pathogens associated with this disease are the fungi such as Fusarium spp, Rhizoctonia solani, and Pythium sp., bacterial pathogens and parasitic nematodes. Rhizome rot had been found in all major ginger production areas in Jamaica. The disease is also spreads by infected seed pieces from the previous crop, although these may appear symptomless. Prolonged periods of wetness and poor

A major setback for ginger production

GINGER RHIZOME ROT:

OCTOBERT-SEPTEMBER 2011 THE AGRICULTURALIST 9

avoid damage. Examine the stored rhizomes at monthly intervals and remove the rhizomes that show signs of rotting. This will help to keep the inoculum level low. It is advisable to plant smaller pieces of rhizome. Pre-planting treatments of planting material for control of nematodes and diseases with hot water followed with fungicide dip are recommended and farmers can get technical advice from the RADA extension officer. It should be noted that pre-planting treatments will not improve quality of panting material but rather preserve it for a short period of time. Therefore, treatment of badly diseased rhizomes is not effective. Foliar application of approved fungicides might be necessary to prevent spread of

drainage are highly favorable for rapid development of rhizome rot. Repeated cultivation of ginger on the same plots of land greatly contributes to the buildup of diseases and nematodes. Symptoms of Ginger Rhizome Rot are often described by local farmers as boil. Diseased rhizomes show a brown discoloration, are normally shriveled in appearance and eventually decay leaving the outer shell intact with only fibrous internal tissue remaining. In case of Fusarium infection young plants develop leaf spot and leaf yellowing which result in plant wilt (quailing) over the period of several weeks. In case of bacterial infection plant wilt is more progressive and associates with rapid yellowing of leaves and stem, plant collapse, soft rot of young rhizomes and presence of unpleasant rotting odor. Sloping terrain provide ideal conditions for spread of diseases during the rains, when water moves along the slope and carries disease spores (seeds). . What farmers should know in order to reduce the incidence of rhizome rot? The most important measure for prevention of disease is the use of healthy planting material. Field should have good drainage or razed beds to ensure that rhizomes are not exposed to prolonged wetness. Do not plant ginger in the same field if rhizome rot was detected during the previous crop. Know how to identify a healthy plants. They should be robust, have healthy roots, rhizomes are well filled, without shrinkage and spots. Rhizome eyes should not be watery. The field must be inspected regularly for early detection and removal of plants with symptoms of leaf spot and wilt (quailing). Mark healthy, disease free plants in the field when the crop is 6-8 months old and still green. For the planting of next crop, select best rhizomes, free from pest and disease from the marked plants. Do not rely only on visual selection of rhizomes after harvesting. Disease can present in seed pieces without any external symptoms. Handle planting material carefully to

Fig. 1: Symptoms of Ginger Rhizome Rot: shriveled in appearance ginger rhizome (left); decaying rhizome (middle) and internal discoloration of rhizome (right)

diseases from plant to plant when conditions are highly favorable for disease development. Jamaican ginger consumed locally as well as exported to different external markets. Farmers should be aware about pesticide residues and use only approved chemicals to ensure food safety and integrity of Jamaican ginger. This information can be obtained from the extension officer or directly from the Export Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Soil solarization can be effective in reducing incidence of rhizome rot but costly. Treating only small parcels of land is considered economical. There is no single method of controlling rhizome rot and management of disease complex will require multifaceted approach with involvement of all stakeholders: famers, researchers and extension agencies. Use of tissue culture method for the production of disease free planting material is one of the ways to address existing challenges. Several agencies in Jamaica are in the process of building laboratory capacity to produce healthy planting material. This takes time and require significant financial and human resources. Until tissue culture plants can become available, farmers will have to manage rhizome rot using best practices which involve understanding of this complex disease, proper site selection, crop rotation, selection of healthy planting material, pre-planting treatments for control of nematodes and suppression of diseases, proper crop nutrition and field sanitation and early removal of infected plants from the field to prevent spread of diseases.

Figure 2: Healthy ginger plant (left); Symptoms of leaf spot on ginger plants affected with Ginger Rhizome Rot: (right)

Helps to minimize the negative impact to the fragile eco-system of the Blue Mountains. Increased production and high-quality berries Major reduction in pest control cost
For further information contact:

Environmentally Friendly Pest Control Measures: -Controlling the Berry Borer with the Rustic Traps - Re-emphasizing Stripping

Increase Production with Eco-Friendly Strategies

758-3903 or 758-1259
Willie Henry Drive, Kingston 15

Coffee Industry Board

Advisory Services Unit

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

o one can predict the future, but the economic fundamentals are pointing towards a significant bump up in variable input costs for 2012, particularly for fertilizer, says Bruce Erickson, agronomic education manager, American Society of Agronomy. Fertilizer is by far the highest variableinput cost that corn growers have, and its been on a rising trend in price over the last year or so, he says. Fertilizer retailers are saying that compared to last fall, prices are up anywhere from 18-27% for the three major products (anhydrous ammonia, diammonium phosphate [DAP] and potash). So, its very likely that farmers will pay more for fertilizer in 2012, barring any more financial shocks to the system. Still, unexpected fertilizer price drops have occurred before, most recently in 2009, says Erickson. The last world financial crisis in September 2008, when we saw a monumental fall in the Dow, didnt bottom out until March 2009, he says. That triggered a fertilizer price drop in the spring of 2009. So, it can happen, but it takes a while for a fertilizer price-drop to shake through the system. Much of the costto produce and transport fertilizer is energy, and energy prices havent been going down, emphasizes Erickson. Typically, the industry uses natural gas to extract nitrogen (N), he says, and phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers are mining-dependent, which is also heavily energy-dependent.

By John Pocock, Corn and Soybean Digest

Fertilizer Prices Trend Higher

he Ghana government is likely to tell ECOWAS of its plans to go solo on the signing of the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) when Trade Ministers in the sub-region meet in the country later this month. The Trade and Industries Minster, Hannah Tetteh, told the media on Tuesday that the country would have preferred to join other member-countries within ECOWAS to sign the IEPA as a body; however, negotiations on the trade agreement with the European Union has stalled - pushing government to consider its options. For the past three years since I have been in this position as Minister, we havent really gone far with the ECOWAS EPA. The issues that we were discussing at the time I became Trade Minister are the same issues we are still discussing today within the framework of ECOWAS. he FAO Food price index dropped to an 11-month low in October, declining 4 percent, or nine points, to 216 points from September. Nonetheless prices still remain generally higher than last year and very volatile, FAO said. The drop was triggered by sharp declines in international prices of cereals, oils, sugar and dairy products. Meat prices declined the least. However FAO's November Index published today showed that prices last month were still some 5 percent above the corresponding period last year.

Ghana likely to go solo in IEPA

FAO Food Price Index down in October

HIGHGATE, Jamaica: eraldo Henry swings open the woodenframe door of the sprawling plastic-covered structure, surveys his rows of gourmet bell peppers for signs of a destructive bacteria, and then breaths a sigh of relief. A high school graduate who once dreamed of becoming an electrical engineer, Henry, 26, never envisioned himself as a farmer. Then he discovered the greenhouse technology that would change his future and help forge an agricultural renaissance in a nation that imports more than half its food. We are making money. And its good to know you are contributing to the economy of the country, Henry said as he checked his sweet pepper plants in the familys homemade 5,000-square-foot greenhouse for Bacterial Wilt, which already wiped out one harvest. From the interior highlands to low lying communities, vegetable-growing greenhouses are transforming this island paradise while revolutionizing farming in communities increasingly vulnerable to Mother Natures unpredictability. In less than four years, Jamaica has evolved from a nation struggling to cut back its dependence on imported tomatoes and bell peppers to one where crops grown inside sterilized covered structures satisfy local consumption. The project has been so successful that the government is now seeking to export food grown inside the greenhouses. It really is a shift in terms of the image and profile of agriculture, said Alfred Dunkley, agriculture marketing extension officer for St. Mary, a banana-growing parish in northeastern Jamaica that is quickly emerging as a vegetable market, thanks to more than two dozen greenhouses. First introduced to Jamaican farmers by the U.S. government in 2005, the technology was initially met with reluctance by farmers who were unwilling to change their traditional farming methods even as the Jamaican government pushed to reduce its food import bill and increase access to locally grown food. Canada later offered $5 million to expand the greenhouse program with more local government involvement. Today, 90 percent of the governments agriculture specialists have been trained in the technology; greenhouse space has nearly doubled; and once skeptical farmers are now among the biggest advocates. Farmers are now believing and embracing the technology, said Opal Whyte, greenhouse project manager in Jamaicas Rural Agricultural Development Authority. Research is currently taking place with cantaloupes and Jamaicas highly potent, popular ginger. The results are encouraging, Whyte said about a two-year-old study where researchers have been growing ginger offshoots or slips in greenhouses to improve ginger production and quality. When the comparison is made in terms of

Greenhouses in Jamaica Helping Forge an Agricultural Renaissance

BY JACQUELINE CHARLES jcharles@MiamiHerald.com

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2011 THE AGRICULTURALIST 11

the potency of the ginger from the greenhouse, the results are comparable. Its just as good. She added, The greenhouse provides the quality standards that our end users want and our farmers can satisfy our local market once they are energized and organized. Another proof of the greenhouse success: last years imports statistics. In a recent meeting with South Floridas burgeoning Jamaican-American community, former Agriculture Minister Christopher Tufton, who oversaw the program before taking over the ministry of investment and commerce this summer, said that for the first time in years, Jamaica, which imports more than 60 percent of its food, didnt have to import colored, or gourmet, bell peppers. But there are challenges. The $17,500 start-up costs to install a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse is more than many can afford in a country still recuperating from an economic downturn. And even with the governments policy of protecting local production by limiting imports, and requiring waivers from importers, greenhouse growers find themselves competing for a tiny market share. This is especially true when traditional farms have a successful harvest; local consumers dont differentiate between a tomato grown in a greenhouse and one on a regular farm. Recognizing the challenges, Whyte said the country is ready to export its success. We cannot eat all of the food we produce in Jamaica, she said. Our next step is to create external markets. This means finding a way to satisfy U.S. government standards with fumigating, but also competing with large commercial greenhouse farmers in Mexico, Costa Rica and even the United States. The cost of production in those nations is far less than in Jamaica, where high electricity costs five

Farm Life Foundation

Look out for--

times that of the U.S. force farmers to rely on cooling fans as protection against fungus and natural sunlight for ripening. When I speak to potential investors, I tell them to come, but come with your own market, Whyte said. Their market cannot be the same local market that our farmers are competing with. Ryan Chung, 27, agrees. A University of Southern California graduate with a degree in corporate finance, Chung is chief farmer, marketer and all-around troubleshooter for his hydroponic tomato greenhouse business in Little Bay, a community in nearby Port Maria, the parishs capital. Unlike Henrys low-cost greenhouse of wooden beams and river water irrigation system, Chungs $110,000 investment on his familys 150-acre plot include two snazzy high tech structures with steel beams, automatic timers for drip irrigation and perlite, a sterile mineral material that helps reduce disease. But even with his modernized greenhouses, imported seeds from Holland and specialized variety of tomatoes his berry tomato crop fetches three to five times the price of regular tomatoes Chung concedes its a tough venture. When I am producing, it looks very pretty. But from a business standpoint, its a whole different ball game, said Chung, who visits greenhouses in Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Europe in search of designs and seeds, and has gathered an impressive network of high-end supermarkets and hotels as customers. Its a high risk business. It is very hard to produce. Temperature is a big problem, pests and disease are also a big problem; so are sales, he said. A lot of farmers get into this business believing you can just grow tomatoes and they will sell. You need a lot of contacts, networking. http://www.miamiherald.com

Jervis Rowe -greenhouse operator and founding president of Jamaica Greenhouse Growers Association.

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he Glenwood Spring Branch of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) staged its first Mini Dasheen Festival on Monday (October, 17) at the Sunbury All-Age School, in Clarendon. Garth Tomlin, president of the Glenwood Spring JAS Branch said he wanted to show the community that the dasheen was a versatile tuber that could be used in the preparation of various dishes. Tomlin said it was a huge surprise as patrons turned out in their numbers to view the forty dishes that were made from the dasheen. They were in awe as they filed past the dasheen bun, fritter, pone, tie-a-leaf, pudding, salad and bulla to name a few. The Dasheen smoothie had everyone asking for more; it was a crowd pleaser, noted. An elated Samuel Owen, principal of the Sunbury All-Age School in his endorsement said he was certain that next year the festival will be bigger because satisfied patrons make the best promoters. The days event was also endorsed by the Spalding Branch of the National Peoples Co-operative Bank, Christiana Potato Growers Association, and Knox Community College. The JAS Branch was assisted with the preparation of the forty dasheen dishes by Marcia Murray, JAS Parish Manager and Kamala Bernard, Social Services /Home

Glenwood Spring JAS Stages Dasheen Festival

FARM/RU L R EP O R T

his varies from dog to dog and also from activity to activity. Just like us, dogs needs more water during hot days or when theyve engaged in vigorous activities. Another consideration is their diet. Dogs whose diet consists mainly on dry food (kibbles) are likely to drink more than those who are on canned or wet food feed. Water is found throughout the dogs body, both inside (intracellular) and outside (extracellular) the cells. It involves in almost all the processes that take place in the body.

How Much Water Does My Dog Need To Drink A Day?

WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

Economics Officer, RADA, Clarendon. Children and adults alike raced to purchase the dishes at the end of the festival. Everyone danced and rocked to the beat provided by Shawn Dyce/AKA Bubo, while young children found great pleasure in the Bounce-a Bout. Drinks, Manish water, barbecue chicken, brown stew goats meat and the famous chicken foot soup went like piping hot bread Overall, the Glenwood Spring JAS Branch Mr. Garth Tomlin, President, Glenwood Spring JAS Branch, (Cell) 284-0711 Mrs.
Submitted by Marcia Murray, Parish Manager, JAS Clarendon charmed1436@yahoo.com 843-5106; 986-2068

Processed dasheen on display

For healthy dogs under 20 lbs, their daily water requirement is 1 cup (8oz) per five pounds of its body weight. Example One. An 8lb adult Shih Tzu whose daily activities consist of one 20minute slow walk and some light indoor activities, he would need approximately

1 cup (12oz) of water per day to maintain a proper level of body fluids. The source of water doesnt have to come strictly in liquid (H2O) form. If the dog gets an afternoon snackfoods that are rich in water content (i.e. apple), this would also contribute part of his water intake for that day. Keep in mind, the above equation is not feasible for dogs who weigh over 20 lbs. To get the exact daily water amount they need it would have to be calculated base on the dogs daily calories necessity. In formula, ALL healthy dogs daily water requirement in milliliters is approximately equal to their daily energy requirements in calories. Example Two. A dog who weighs 65 lbs would require approximately 1450 milliliters (6.1 cups/49 oz) of water daily instead of 13 cups or 104 oz base on the formal equation. Just remember this, when CLEAN water is accessible dogs will normally drink enough to maintain the proper balance of their body fluids.

PET COR NE R

Committed to Heal, Rescue and Protect

The JSPCA mandates to promote kindness to animals, prevent abuse and reduce f ear, pai n and suffering.
Co nta ct s:
1 0 W in c h es te r Ro a d, Ki ng s to n 1 0 Te l: (8 7 6 ) 9 2 9 -0 3 20 : Fa x: (8 7 6 ) 7 5 4 -4 5 94 Em ai l: js p ca @ y a ho o .c o m; js pc a @ ka s n et .c o m Ca y ma n a s P ar k ( Me ad o w Val e En tr a nc e ) Por tmor e, St. Cathe ri ne Tel : 9 9 8 -4 9 97 / 7 0 4- 4 27 8 (Ope n we ek- ends Only) Br a n do n Hi ll , 1 4 Co k e Av en u e , Br a n do n H ill , M on t eg o Ba y , St J a mes T el : 7 9 7 -2 9 73 -4

JAMAICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMAL

The JSPCA-Committed to Heal, Rescue and Protect

-w w w . j s p c a . i n f o

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