The Tribune

THE Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation conducted a fact-finding mission to Jamaica as it looks toward the establishment of a School of Agriculture and Science in North Andros.

The delegation visited CASE, Jamaica’s College of Agricultural Science and Education, where the history and setup of the college were discussed. CASE is one of the premier agricultural education institutions in Jamaica offering Bachelor of Science degrees in various agricultural disciplines as well as Associate Degrees and Diplomas.

It was noted by BAIC executive chairman Arnold Forbes that Prime Minister Perry Christie and his administration have a commitment to establishing a School of Agriculture on Andros and more importantly, working to solve our food security issues.

CASE has a student population of about 1,000, with a 50/50 gender ratio.

On Day two of the mission, the delegation attended the media launch of the Jamaican 4-H Clubs ‘National Achievement Expo 2013’ at the invitation of Senator Norman Grant, chairman of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs Board of Directors.

The 4-H Clubs are established in all parishes and display Jamaica’s commitment to agriculture by training the country’s youth in agricultural systems.

The Jamaica 4-H Clubs are strongly linked to their parent body, the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) as it was during the JAS’ era of growth and development that the 4-H Club was established – more than 70 years ago.

Today, the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, which now have more than 70,000 ‘Clubites’, constitute the leading youth organisation on the island.

Jamaican Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Roger Clarke made note of some important strides in the development of the agricultural sector.

He noted that his government is moving to aggressively to reduce the volume of goods imported that can be locally harvested.

The government is also looking at establishing more Agri-Parks, and also finding ways to link agriculture production to the school feeding programme so that students can take pride in locally grown food.

The delegation also visited Ebony Park Heart Academy in Claredon, which offers certificates and diplomas in Agriculture, Hospitality, Information Technology and Agro-Processing. It is essentially a hands-on institution, which provides on-the-job training to its students.

The delegation concluded its mission with visits to JAMPRO, RADA and Mavis Bank Blue Mountain Coffee Factory.

At JAMPRO, the delegation met with the senior management team of the corporation. JAMPRO’s purpose was discussed and they noted that it was established to make doing business more easy, encourage investment and discover local and foreign markets for local products.

Discussions were also held with RADA (Rural Agricultural Development Authority), a statutory body of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

RADA is primarily responsible for the implementation of the ministry’s agricultural extension programme and it has a presence in every parish of Jamaica. RADA is viewed as a model for the expanded role of BAIC in the agricultural sector of the Bahamas.