The Editor, Sir:

Agriculture in Jamaica is in a very deep crisis. We need new ideas and new people to enter the industry both from the Government and the farming levels. We need to focus on those areas that are affecting the profitability of the industry many of which are also affecting other businesses in Jamaica. Agriculture is a risky business so for new investment to occur both in terms of young mind and new money the return has to be high.

As farmers we need to focus on profit so that we can accumulate assets that can be leveraged to tide us over in times of crisis; profit so that we can self-finance expansion. We need a minister who is going to make the tough decisions and bring the modern business practices to the industry. It is easier for existing farmers to change methods and crops than to convince new farmers to enter industry. Get some new thinking to the table, Mr. Tufton, good luck.

I am, etc.,

ASHLEY CHRISTIE

zistltd@hotmail.com