Farmers are being urged to take the necessary precautions to protect life and livestock as Gustav threatens the island.

Agriculture minister, Dr Christopher Tufton, said although Gustav was downgraded from a Category One hurricane, the protection of livestock to reduce the impact of damage is important.

Tufton said a National Agricul-tural Disaster Risk Management Committee, which was implemented in May, had met with response organisations at the parish level to determine the sector's level of preparedness, and to take the necessary action to mitigate possible losses.

The minister urged farmers in all the subsectors to contact the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) parish offices for disaster preparedness tips.

Al Powell, executive director of RADA, said damage assessment following the passage of the system will be conducted within three days.