Agriculture in the News

Transcription

1 Agriculture in the News January 2010 PSC#: HQ/005/10 Issues Affecting Caribbean Agriculture INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Cereals & Grain Legumes: Rice 1 Livestock: Small Ruminants Spain funding agricultural projects for the Caribbean Jamaica will be provided with funds for the construction of greenhouses See Agricultural Development section, page 3 1 Fruits & Vegetables: Bananas 2 Climate Change 2 Agribusiness 2 Agricultural Development 4 Trade Guyana repositions to become Region s bread basket again Guyana has signed a trade accord with Trinidad and Tobago See Trade section, page 4 4 Farmer Organisations 5 Information & Communications 5 Upcoming Events: Root Crops, Protected Agriculture 6 CARDI News Jamaica Agricultural Marketing Information System (JAMIS) website launched to assist stakeholders in agricultural sector See Agricultural Development section, page 4 Agriculture in the News is a bi-monthly newsletter, prepared by staff of the Information & Communications Unit, which provides references to news articles on issues affecting agriculture in the Caribbean region. Articles from Newspapers, Online News Service Agencies, Newsletters and Press Releases are featured. For copies of documents cited, visit the web address or source of the information provided. Improving Lives Through Agricultural Research Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Information & Communications Unit P.O. Bag 212, Frederick Hardy Building, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St Augustine Trinidad and Tobago W.I. Tel: Fax: infocentre@cardi.org Website:

2 Aboutt CARDII Our Vision To be the centre of excellence in the Caribbean for the provision and application of research and development in agriculture and rural enhancement. Our Mission To contribute to the sustainable economic well being of Caribbean people by the generation and transfer of appropriate technology through research and development within the agricultural value chain.

3 Cereals & Grain Legumes: Rice Rice Factories (Amendment) Bill now in force New legislation aimed at protecting rice farmers will now force manufacturers to pay for paddy within 42 days of being supplied as stipulated by the Rice Factories Amendment Bill. The Minister noted that the amendment is very timely since the industry has been making tremendous strides. Production in the industry was approximately 90,000 tons years ago, export 28, 000 tons and earnings were US$26M per annum. The Minister disclosed that for 2009, rice yielded the highest production in history with about 5.2 tons per hectares, while export earnings competed with that of sugar. Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana 11 January 2010: 20force.html Livestock: Small Ruminants Black belly, roman nose A well-bred Barbados Blackbelly sheep is a noble animal with a roman nose. To maintain these characteristics, the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) is carrying out a programme to conserve the sheep's genetic make-up and improve marketing opportunities. Spore magazine 144, December 2009, p. 5: Leading the sheep industry. A Jankie The demand for fresh meat is high and farmers cannot produce enough. Small ruminant meat is sold for $15 a pound at farm gates, and mutton for $35 a pound on the open market. Goat and sheep farmers have said that the demand for milk has increased. Farmers have been selling goat and sheep milk at $20 and $25 a litre and receive up to two litres a day from one female for a total of 300 days, Goat and Sheep Society president John Borely said. Thirty-eight sheep and goats were given out to farmers in earlier in 2009 by the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago to expand and upgrade local stocks. Trinidad and Tobago Express- Business Express, 23 Dec 2009, p.3: Fruits & Vegetables: Bananas Fungal disease spotted on banana plantation Agriculture officials have confirmed that Black Sigatoka, a dangerous fungal disease, has been discovered in St Lucia and threatens the struggling banana industry. We are now embarking on a comprehensive survey island wide to determine the extent of the problem and from that we will know the measures we need to undertake to either eradicate or control, he told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). Joseph was in the process of convening an emergency meeting to plan a way forward in combating the infestation which has already been discovered in several neighbouring islands, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Martinique. Reports out of St Vincent, where the disease was detected last November, said that the problem has been restricted to four farms in the northern portion of the country. Caribbean Daily News - 2 January 2010: Agriculture in the News January 2010, courtesy of the CARDI Information & Communications Unit 1

4 Climate Change High emissions blamed for T&T s climate change T&T s emissions levels have risen drastically over the last few years, says Planning and Environment Minister, Emily Dick-Forde, and a new strategy will soon be introduced to reduce the environmental impact of development. It is estimated that the average ambient temperature of T&T has risen by about 1.7 degrees Celsius over the past 40 years based on meteorological records, she said. She said economic development must be balanced with a low carbon policy. Trinidad and Tobago Guardian 27 Jan 2010, p. A21 Caribbean climate change training See Upcoming Events section, page 5 Climate change, food security and resilience of food and agricultural systems in developing countries: Mitigation and adaptation options (117 th EAAE Seminar) See Upcoming Events section, page 6 Agribusiness Exciting news for the agri-business sector The Trinidad and Tobago Agribusiness Association (TTABA) now has large supplies of locally grown semi or fully processed root crops, vegetables and fruits for use in the food and beverage industries. TTABA can provide in retail, institutional or bulk sizes the following products on a year round basis: Root Crops/Staples- Cassava and Sweet Potato, Legumes, Plantains, Provision Pack For more information call: Ext 35 (Stephanie or Radha) (Mobile) Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, Section B 29 Jan 2010, p. 18 Piggott sees new era in agriculture Agriculture Minister [Trinidad and Tobago] Arnold Piggott is predicting a new era in the agriculture sector as steps are taken this year to remove the shackles which have constrained its growth. This year, will be the period in which we will significantly accelerate the transformation of the agri-culture sector to agri-business, thus removing the shackles which hitherto constrained its growth and development. He said T&T Agriculture Business Association (TABA) soon would be commissioning two agro-processing plants for chilled and frozen root crops, fruits and vegetables, dried staples and herbs and for processing juices and sauces. Trinidad and Tobago Guardian 12 Jan 2010, p. A6 Agricultural Development Agriculture society reaches 400 future farmers The Agricultural Society spent more than $18,000 last year, in an outreach programme to raise awareness of the potential of agriculture for future farmers. Dhana Sookoo, President of the Agricultural Society of Agriculture in the News January 2010, courtesy of the CARDI Information & Communications Unit 2

5 Trinidad and Tobago, (ASTT) said the money was used to promote agriculture to pre schools and primary secondary school students. Trinidad and Tobago Guardian 28 Jan 2010, p. A26 Piggott: $200m more for farmers this year Agriculture Minister Arnold Piggott said $200 million was available for the expansion of the agricultural sector for this year. Piggott said $100 million was available for infrastructural development, namely access roads, while farmers could access the other $100 million as loans from the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) for the expansion, growth and modernisation of their operations. Trinidad and Tobago Guardian 28 Jan 2010, p. A26 Bahamas moving to reposition agriculture The government is moving resolutely to reposition agriculture as a strong pillar of the Bahamian economy, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Lawrence Larry Cartwright told industry stakeholders, such as CARDI. He was speaking at a Food and Agriculture Organization forum convened to review the draft report on the Rapid Assessment of the Agricultural Sector, which was carried out in October by the FAO. Cartwright confirmed that The Bahamas imports 80 per cent of its food. Caribbean Net News 27 January 2010: Spain to help Antigua and Barbuda boost agriculture production The promise of assistance was made during a meeting on Wednesday between Agriculture Minister Hilson Baptiste and the Ambassador for Spain to the Caribbean, Jesus Silva Fernandez. Meantime, Baptiste has welcomed the move saying that training was critical as he seeks to introduce approximately 200 new farmers into the sector. The Minister stated that there was need for introduction to post production and to further advance the sector using technologies such as drip irrigation, greenhouse technology and plastic mulch. The government has already earmarked 40 acres of land for 20 emerging farmers under an initiative geared towards empowering and promoting youths in agriculture. Baptiste explained that in addition to the land the government had made available the technical support and that over a period of three years, it is anticipated that some EC$2 million (US$744,878) would be expended on the project on a revolving basis. Caribbean Daily News 15 January 2010: Ministry of Agriculture [Antigua and Barbuda] receives donation Emmanuel International Canada, through the local Moravian Church of Antigua donated a quantity of items, yesterday, to the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment in order to enable the sector to boost home-based production. The ministry received onion, carrot, tomato, papaya seeds, as well as 14 bags of fertilizers. Antigua Sun 12 January 2010: Spain funding agricultural projects for the Caribbean Spain is providing Jamaica with J$35 million (US$392,877) to fund the construction of two greenhouses to promote protected agriculture and to train extension officers and farmers from across the Caribbean region. The money will go to the Centre of Excellence for Advanced Technology in Agriculture (CEATA), which was launched last March. Agriculture and Fisheries Dr. Christopher Tufton and Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva Fernandez, signed the agreement on Wednesday with Tufton indicating that the assistance would benefit not just Jamaica, but the region as a whole. Trackalerts 7 January 2010: Agriculture in the News January 2010, courtesy of the CARDI Information & Communications Unit 3

6 JAMIS website launched to assist stakeholders in agricultural sector The Jamaica Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has launched the Jamaica Agricultural Marketing Information System (JAMIS) at its Hope Gardens headquarters, in Kingston. All stakeholders in the agricultural industry are now able to equip themselves with vital pricing information, which will enable them to make better decisions about the sale and purchase of produce. Jamaica Information Service (JIS) 14 December 2009: STAKEHOLDERS_IN_AGRICULTURAL SEC TOR.asp Grenada agriculture: 'good news on the horizon' The Ministry of Agriculture has a plan for Grenada's agricultural sector that includes greater emphasis on agro-processing... Caribbean Net News 11 December 2009: St Vincent and the Grenadines, Budget Speech 2010 Theme: Economic and financial stability, social cohesion and fiscal consolidation at a time of global recession and uneven recovery. (Agriculture section, p.15-17) Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines: IICA with Haiti IICA web page documenting IICA support for Haiti, particularly in its agricultural and rural sectors, since the January earthquake: Trade Guyana repositions to become region's bread basket again Guyana has signed a trade accord with Trinidad and Tobago to pave the way for more of its agrocommodities to gain entry to the twin island republic. The deal was signed after four years of negotiations, as Guyana engaged in intense efforts to increase the country's fresh agriculture and forest products exports to the oil-rich republic. 4 January 2010: Farmer Organisations Sookoo still heads Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago Dhana Sookoo was reelected president of the Agricultural Society (ASTT) of T&T for the period 2010 to Trinidad and Tobago Guardian 28 Jan 2010: Agriculture in the News January 2010, courtesy of the CARDI Information & Communications Unit 4

7 Information & Communications 2010 GARD Centre Update In 2010 GARD Center will broaden its capacities in its information and communication services and activities. The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Co-operation ACP-EU, (CTA) in the Netherlands will once again partner with GARD Center in a $EC 240,000 project. Ministry of Agriculture Lands, Housing & The Environment, Antigua and Barbuda: Events: Root Crops, Protected Agriculture International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology: 2010 events The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is an international organisation dedicated to advanced research and training in molecular biology and biotechnology, with special regard to the needs of the developing world. All their programmes afford candidates an excellent opportunity for interactions with internationally leaders of genetic engineering and biotechnology research. For queries and additional information on the upcoming courses offered for the year 2010: OR contact Ms. Joycelyn Lee Young at jleeyoung@niherst.gov.tt or telephone: Ext 221. Caribbean Climate Change Training A grant from the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) Science and Technology (S&T) Fund will facilitate climate change training and information to agricultural stakeholders in the region. This programme will be launched in February 2010 in Barbados and will run for three years. CARDI 25 January 2010: Root Crops and Protected Agriculture project launch The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) will host ceremonies to launch two Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) projects for the Caribbean region, over the period 4-5 March 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Trinidad and Tobago. CARDI 25 January 2010: 2nd International conference on genomics of plant genetic resources Scientific sessions which will be held: Harnessing plant diversity; Genomics-based applications; Genomics of Triticeae genetic resources; Genomics for increased sustainability of Triticeae crops production; Genomicsassisted crop improvement for food security in developing countries; Genetic resources for nutritional quality. This conference will be held from April 2010 in Bologna, Italy. Agriculture in the News January 2010, courtesy of the CARDI Information & Communications Unit 5

8 28 th International Horticulture Congress, Lisboa [Portugal] 2010 A world conference on horticultural sciences under the patronage of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS). Seminar topics include: soilless cultivation, underutilized fruits, medicinal and aromatic plants, capacity building and more. This conference will be held from August Jamaica to host 1st International Symposium on Tropical Horticulture This first international symposium on Tropical Horticulture is an opportunity for researchers, technologists, workers and commercial users interested in tropical crops to meet to share information and more. This symposium is being hosted by the University of the West Indies and International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), and will be held at the Jamaica PEGASUS Hotel, Kingston, Jamaica. It will be held from November Climate change, food security and resilience of food and agricultural systems in developing countries: Mitigation and adaptation options (117 th EAAE Seminar) The purpose of this seminar is to investigate the economics of climate change mitigation and adaptation options in developing-country agriculture. This seminar will be held from November 25-27, 2010 at the University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany. Food Security Center, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany: CARDI News CARDI Open Day 2009 Farmers, Ministry of Agriculture officials and representatives of other public sector agencies, members of the private sector, students and the general public in several countries across the Caribbean region, had the opportunity to view ongoing research and development initiatives at their local office. Reports on the event are accessible from the link below. CARDI 23 December 2009: Agriculture in the News January 2010, courtesy of the CARDI Information & Communications Unit 6