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Salutation:
Hon. Tillman Thomas, Leader of the Opposition
Senator Keith Clouden
Hon. Glynis Roberts, Parliamentary Representative
Senator Norman Grant, Chairman
Mr. Fitzroy James, General Manager MNIB
Mr. Maurice Wilson, Head of project Development. Prog., CARDI
Mr. Jose Fonseca, Senior Programme Coordinator, CTA
Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Evening. I wish to extend a warm welcome to our Caribbean Farmers Network (CafAN) friends. I also wish to commend CaFAN for this invaluable initiative that serves as a comprehensive resource for the Caribbean farming community. For the idea of uniting farmers across the Caribbean through strengthening agriculture, rural development, and improving the quality of life for all our people is timely.
Before we get into the details of this programme as it relates to influencing decisions on strategic issues, and mobilizing resources, I must first speak of the environment here in Grenada, in an agricultural context, which is similar in many respects to that of our Caribbean neighbours.
Our agricultural sector is the most exposed, most vulnerable in the path of storms, hurricanes and other adverse weather conditions. As we continue to rebound from the devastation of hurricanes Ivan and Emily, the recent setback to our farming sector as a result of our brush with hurricane Felix is a bleak reminder of the sector’s vulnerability to Mother Nature. These encounters obviously serve as a gut-check and challenge the psyche and resilience of our farmers who we continue to commend for their fortitude.
It is important to note that other than adverse weather conditions, a major problem that affects our agricultural sector, is the removal of subsidies as mandated under the WTO rules. While this has serious effects in respect of price of imported agricultural products, it offers opportunities for competitiveness.
With the proper and creative management of the agricultural sector we will create employment opportunities as well as realize a much needed revenue stream that would significantly boost our economy. This would also significantly encourage the “eat what we grow” adage which will directly enhance our healthy lifestyle goals while contributing to a meaningful reduction in the cost of living. It is also imperative that we become more innovative in linking Caribbean agriculture to tourism. Every hotel project agreement includes a clause for the purchase of local produce.
It is only fitting that this workshop is a prelude of “World Food Day.” When one thinks of food, agriculture is certainly synonymous with such thinking. Our Food Security Programme is now a major issue. This programme will therefore take an even higher profile to combat the growing consumption of costly, processed convenient food items from abroad.
The prospects for agriculture have established new standards and pose new challenges. Over the years, we have obviously grown from the limitations of being merely self-sufficient. Today, we engage in the business of penetrating and competing in the international markets. The decision by Sanisbury, one of Britain’s largest food retailers, to purchase our exotic fruits and bananas is a positive development for us in the Region.
To bolster our support for our farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture Extension Service, which has been fortified with the addition of several young officers attached to the Agriculture Enterprise Development Project has taken a more direct involvement in farm Business Planning for all operations; both large and small. This programme seeks to make soft loans available to farmers in order to help address the constraints of inadequate financing of the agricultural sector and will be expanded to provide flexibility credit to more bona fide farmers.
Financing is now being secured to assist a massive fruit development programme. This Government through the assistance of WIBDECO will embark on this project to increase the production of fresh fruits both for the domestic and export markets. Through the new Food and Budget Counselling Programme greater emphasis is placed on promoting increased production of local food crops, both at the farm level and kitchen garden level. The farm road programme continues with the rehabilitation of the major farm roads across the country. And the Ministry of Agriculture will also continue to provide technical assistance in the area of irrigation system design and instillation.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Agricultural success translates in improved livelihoods for everyone. The quality of public-private sector collaboration and coordination is critical for success in agriculture. Indeed, while we often focus on the challenges that arise from deficiencies in the physical infrastructure and marketing system, and note the difficulty and high cost of obtaining financing, I submit that effective public-private sector relationships has the potential to successfully confront on trump all these challenges to agricultural development. The need for an effective public-private sector relationship is more important in agriculture than in any other sector.
Today, with the interaction of farmers, marketers, large buyers, finance officials and Government officials, we have the opportunity to identify our opportunities and constraints and propose activities that need to be undertaken by the private sector, the public sector and public-private sector collaboration in order to further our agricultural development. In that respect, the outcome of this forum will best serve us all if we are able to push this envelope.
In conjunction with the Nutmeg and Cocoa Association, efforts are being made by Government to strengthen and reorganize the institution capacity for a more efficient management of the industry. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture is partnering with the Association to facilitate the merging of both organizations and to provide technical and other assistance to rehabilitate cocoa and nutmeg plantations. Plant breeders have been accessed to help in the resuscitation of the Nutmeg Industry.
Government provides our farmers with technical, material, and financial assistance. Our Marketing & National Importing Board (MNIB) play a very important role in assisting our farmers, providing information and the necessary service to our customers, and in facilitating import and export business. We make sure that our farmers receive training in Soil & Water Management and Farm Business Management. The Grenada Agricultural Information Service (GAIS) is designed to assist the country’s farmers by providing them with accurate information through the publication of its “Food & Farm Grenada” weekly bulletin and newsletter, and the operation of its dedicated Web Portal.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Organizers of this forum, today, while we come together in dialogue, I advocate that we consider joint ventures as it relates to the purchase of farming equipment and material. Bulk buying would be a smart business initiative on our part because it will better represent our purchasing power in the international market and would save and protect our limited resources. Coming out of this forum, please transmit this sentiment as I will continue to underscore its importance.
Your collaborative approach is most commended. This activity comes on the heels of a preliminary programme that included publication of a Directory of Farmers’ Associations, exploring options for development of the CaFAN Secretariat, and providing more information to farmers about opportunities available under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), Farmers’ groups also initiated discussions about joint marketing projects across the region.
The Eastern Caribbean Trading Agriculture and Development Organization (ECTAD) works closely with the steering Committee and other key collaborators to implement the CaFAN work programme. The Strategic Framework for Action will chart the course for the organization for the next three years. This membership which includes: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St.Vincent and the Grenadines (please excuse me if I missed anyone), can only grow from strength to strength.
Your Mission to enhance the well being and competitiveness of Caribbean farmers through the sustainable development of the agricultural and rural sector, thus contributing to the re-positioning of Caribbean economies, And Goal to improve the quality of life for farmers, especially small farm families throughout the Caribbean, is good reason to for us to feel we are on the right tract and in good hands.
In closing I remind the farmers of the following: “you care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly for so you have ordained it – PSALM 65:9 NIV
I have every confidence that you will have a fruitful and pleasurable workshop. And to our visiting friends, please enjoy the intrinsic beauty and hospitality of the Spice Isle.
Thank you for your participation. May the Good Lord bless and keep you. |
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