New “Chamber” for Jamaican Agriculture

By: - February 2nd, 2012

Above: Senator Norman Grant and Minister of State Ian Hayles (JIS Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Jamaica Agricultural Society has established a new forum in a bid to improve dialogue in the sector dubbed “The Chamber.”

The forum, which was launched today in a ceremony at the Knutsford Court Hotel, looks to highlight challenges in the agricultural sector and provide “workable solutions for its progression.”

“This is our country, and the level of participation from everyone is vital and important,” said Ian Hayles, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. “Whatever we do, the farmers have to be at the centre of divestment, they have to be at the centre of any policy framework or any strategy going forward.”

JAS President Glendon Harris said the Chamber would seek to meet regularly and look at a number of topics, including the present tax reform proposal, tariff barriers and bilateral trade agreements.

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