43 / 56
37
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES
Revival of the Cocoa and non-Blue Mountain
Coffee Industries
The cocoa industry has been on the decline for years. Today, there
are only 3,000 persons involved in the industry, compared to 9,000
in 2006. Yet worldwide, cocoa retains a high value as its benefits
are being better understood as more than just a food product—its
therapeutic, cosmetic and medicinal benefits are emerging rapidly
and commodity prices are strong.
Firstly, the JLP Government will conduct a brief study of why these
industries collapsed; and then appropriate remedial measures
would be implemented, to ‘breathe new life’ into the industries.
Upgrade the Fresh Food Markets
Markets are key to connecting farmers and fishers with the
rewards of their time and investments. Without markets that
are conveniently located and connected by strong transport
links, farmers will remain limited to their own communities and
vulnerable to the ups and downs of seasonal production.
A JLP Government will invest in making markets the portals to
farmers’ success, providing an attractive, convenient, sanitary and
modern atmosphere.
With improved sanitation, amenities for customers and vendors
and proper promotion, these markets can also become tourist
attractions.
Establish Agricultural Economic Zones (AEZ)
These economic zones will grade, package and process all
produce. This will enable our local produce to be competitive with
foreign produce, in terms of appearance and quality. The AEZs will
be privately operated with farmers’ equity and participation.
Develop Products for Niche Markets and
Exotic Foods
The production of spices and herbs, such as turmeric, ginger,
thyme and sorrel will be encouraged, with the technical support to
minimize and appropriately manage diseases. Also, a programme
of orchard production will be initiated for fruits such as; mangoes,
guava, soursop, june plum, passion fruit and avocado.
A JLP government will make the agricultural sector a modern,
attractive and productive enterprise for Jamaicans; in particular,
our young people.
A Comprehensive Strategy Against Praedial
Larceny
This will involve emphasizing greater law enforcement effort,
community policing initiatives, technology usage and prosecution
of not just the persons stealing, but also those buying the stolen
produce. Law enforcement agencies must infiltrate communities
with high incidences of theft and send a strong message to would
be thieves.
Ultimately, praedial larceny will decline, when potential perpetrators
are engaged in production and earning incomes above the
subsistence level.
Investment in Irrigation Water and
Rainwater Harvesting
The most direct path to sufficiency of water for agricultural and
home use is to make better use of the natural resource where
it is found: as rainwater and surface water. We will promote the
creation of ponds, catchment areas and micro-dams and create
better incentives for households to harvest rainwater.