Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Farmer Richard Irving (in turban) in discussion with Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton (right), during the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture's agri-tourism seminar and panel discussion, at the Terra Nova Hotel yesterday. Roy A. Miller of the Jamaica Tourist Board and Cynthia Currie of the IICA are also pictured. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

FOR RICHARD Irving, agri-tourism is not just another buzz word. Indeed, the small farmer from Charles Town in Portland believes the concept can be a stepping stone for small farmers like himself to break into the tourism sector.

"We have farmers in our parish who want to be hoteliers one day. Wi definitely looking in dat direction," said Irving, whose small plot provides herbs like peppermint and lemon grass to a Portland hotel.

He was among several farmers at yesterday's agri-tourism seminar, staged by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) at the Terra Nova Hotel in the Corporate Area.

Forging commercial ties

During the seminar, Agriculture Minister Christopher Tufton stressed the importance of farmers forging commercial ties with their tourism counterparts.

"A requirement of the tourist is to live the Jamaican experience, and that's not just about sleeping in a Jamaican bed or playing volleyball. They want to sample the Jamaican menu," Tufton said.

If visitors are to savour authentic, Jamaican dishes, Tufton said farmers must deliver their products to hotels consistently. He said figures from his ministry show a 17 per cent production decline in the last 20 years from local farmers.

He said the Government hopes to address the slump by encouraging farmers to embrace greenhouse cultivation. With this concept, he said, they can grow crops in a closed setting and not worry about being wiped out by natural disasters like hurricanes.

"It's also one way of boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring greater reliability (from farmers)," Tufton said.

Tufton has touted greenhouse farming since he became minister eight months ago. In April, 12 Jamaican agricultural extension officers went to Costa Rica for training in greenhouse technology.

Cynthia Currie, IICA's local representative, described agri-tourism as a 'win-win' opportunity.

"We are determined that it should work, we want to ensure that our rural communities are successful," she said.

howard.campbell@gleanerjm.com