Building a Better Jamaica

Thursday, 29 December 2011
By Garfield L. Angus, JIS Reporter
Jamaica Information Service

KINGSTON — Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Robert Montague, says the future for the cocoa industry remains bright, based on initiatives being undertaken by the Government and the high level of interest from overseas processors in the local brand.

Monday, 28 November 2011
Jamaica Information Service

KINGSTON — Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon Robert Montague, wants increased consumption of local produce to significantly reduce food importation.

Published: Friday November 25, 2011
Jamaica Gleaner

Sugar cane farmers are to benefit from a 40 per cent increase in the price paid for sugar cane supplied to factories during this year’s crop.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Robert Montague, said cane farmers are expected to receive an average first payment of $2,500 per tonne for the 2011/2012 crop.

He is urging farmers to aim to be cost effective in their cane production, so that they can benefit from improved prices next year.

Thursday, November 24, 2011
Jamaica Observer

AN Act to amend the Processed Food Act, to apply more appropriate and realistic penalties for offences, was tabled on Tuesday in the House of Representatives.

The Bill, tabled by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. Christopher Tufton, also seeks to empower the minister to amend fines under the Act.

According to the Memorandum of Objects and Reasons, the prevalence of non-compliance with the provisions of the Act necessitates revision of the offences.

Monday, November 21, 2011
Jamaica Observer

WITH the start of the planting season for competitive crops such as Irish potatoes and onions, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is rolling out a $500 million line of credit, through the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), to support the farmers.

The funds are being made accessible through the Peoples’ Cooperative (PC) banks, at an interest rate of seven per cent.

Thursday, 17 November 2011 1
By Alphea Saunders, JIS Reporter
Jamaica Information Service

KINGSTON — The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has unveiled a programme under which farmers will get critical inputs enabling them take full advantage of the crop planting season, as the Government seeks to empower them to engage in best practices to strengthen food security.

Published: Thursday | November 17, 2011
Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer
Jamaica Gleaner

Agriculture Minister Robert Montague yesterday unveiled a multimillion-dollar assistance programme under which the Government will provide funding, farming input, tools and technical support to individuals and farmers' organisations free of cost.

In addition, Montague also announced preferential loan rates to resuscitate the dairy, banana and sugar-cane industries, with turmeric and the small ruminants sector also set to benefit.

Wednesday, 16 November 2011
By Allan Brooks, JIS Reporter
Jamaica Information Service

KINGSTON — Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Robert Montague, is confident that the country can achieve self-sufficiency in beef production.

He stated that Government’s plan to significantly boost production of beef to meet 60 to 65 per cent of local consumption needs by 2020 is achievable.

BY ALESIA EDWARDS Observer staff reporter alesiae@jamaicaobserver.com
Tuesday, November 15, 2011

BROWN'S TOWN, St Ann — Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Robert Montague says he is confident that the country's floundering livestock and dairy sector can be saved.

Wednesday, 09 November 2011
By Garfield L. Angus, JIS Reporter
Jamaica Information Service

KINGSTON — Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Robert Montague, says he is working to have the Bodles Research Station in St. Catherine, renamed in honour of the late Jamaican scientist, Dr. T.P. Lecky.