The Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) has welcomed the Government's decision to provide assistance to farmers, amounting to $100 million.
The Jamaica Livestock Association (JLA) has also commended the Government's financial intervention to support the sector in its efforts to boost productivity.
Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Agriculture and Lands, announced on Tuesday that as part of a major initiative to cushion the impact of high food prices on consumers, a 10 per cent subsidy will be provided on the ex-factory price of fertilisers.
On average, fertiliser will cost approximately $2,000 per bag. There have been at least five increases in the price of fertiliser in the last 12 months.
Senator Norman Grant, president of the JAS, said the Government's intervention was a move in the right direction with the sector seeking to fast-track its recovery and boost domestic production in 2008.
"This assistance should aid farmers in cushioning in the short term, the sharp increases in the price of fertiliser. We hope that there will be a continuous review in order to boost domestic crop, as the strategy is to control the prices of basic commodities," said Senator Grant.
Domestic production for 2006 was more than 450,000 metric tonnes, which was approximately 19 per cent over 2005. Up to the second quarter of 2007 there was a 1.9 per cent increase in comparison to the previous period.
Domestic production decline
However, at the end of the third quarter, domestic production declined by 9.5 per cent over the same period in 2006, largely due to the impact of Hurricane Dean.
Dr. Henry J. Rainford, chief executive officer of the JLA, said the relief allocation of $30 million to livestock farmers was well needed.
This allocation, as a production incentive to livestock farmers, is to be distributed through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).
"I agree with that (the assistance) providing that distribution is done in an equitable and transparent manner to really assist farmers and benefit consumers," said Mr. Rainford.
