VOL. 23 NO.

10 SEPTEMBER 2012

By Doug Palmer WASHINGTON: (Reuters) orld food prices jumped 10 percent in July as drought parched crop lands in the United States and Eastern Europe, the World Bank said in a statement urging governments to shore up programs that protect their most vulnerable populations. From June to July, corn and wheat prices rose by 25 percent each, soybean prices by 17 percent, and only rice prices went down, by 4 percent, the World Bank said on Thursday. Overall, the World Bank's Food Price Index, which tracks the price of internationally traded food commodities, was 6 percent higher than in July of last year, and 1 percent over the previous peak of February 2011. Continued from page 3

World Food Prices Up by 10%

Powell Sues RADA for $36 M

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he former chief executive officer of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Alexander Powell has filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Agriculture and RADA claiming some $36 M in damages for wrongful dismissal in April. Chairman of the Board of RADA, Denzil Williams RADA accused Powell of not supplying original copies of his educational certificates, failure to supply his birth certificate, improper use of the Agency credit card and the firing of the former financial director Kareena Rambali. Powell told The Agriculturalist that he filed the lawsuit in an effort to seek legal redress following what he described as his unfair dismissal and damage to his reputations by the board of RADA. He however refused to comment further as the issues are now before the Court, but noted that all the charges against him are fabricated and lies. Powell was fired on April 26 after four years in the post following what has been described asworrying findings of an audit at the agency. The audit claimed among other matters that there was no documentation of Powells credentials on file at the RADA. In addition, the audit found that Powell misused the Governments credit card which was issued to him.

By Patrick Maitland Editor - The Agriculturalist

It is also reported that Powell circumvented the Agriculture Ministrys legal officer and hired private lawyers in a matter involving the finance director who had challenged her dismissal. Chairman of the Board of RADA, Denzil Williams challenged Powell to provide proof of his academic qualifications. He said the Board was prepared to head to court to lock horns with Powell who he declared did not have a case. Williams said the Board carried out the necessary due diligence and sought legal

ALEXANDER POWELL Former CEO, RADA Has filed a lawsuit against the MOA/RADA claiming $36 M in damages.

advice before removing Powell as the head of RADA. In commenting on the lawsuit Agriculture Minister, Roger Clarke, said Ministry is prepared to contest the suit. Meanwhile, the Board of RADA is proceeding with plans to appoint a new CEO. Persons who applied for the post which was advertised a few months ago have been short-listed and the individual selected will be announced shortly.

2 THE AGRICULTURALIST SEPTEMBER 2012

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We Need Real and Sustainable Solutions! T Focal

he declining trend in local food production and the spiraling food imports have been a major concern for us as Jamaicas food security and farmers are at risk. Jamaicas food import expenditure rose by over US$100 million to reach US$930 million at the end of 2011, while agricultural export stood at about US$100 million. Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke recently described the situation as unsustainable and pledged to commit the government to redoubling its efforts to increase production and productivity, while at the time promoting improved linkages between farmers, agro-processors and hotels. We are encouraged by Minister Clarkes comments, however we are expecting more tangible and immediate solutions to grow local food productions and stop cheap imports. Minister Clarke should immediately review the ministrys method of granting approval for the importation of agricultural items including chicken meat, eggs, fish, Irish potatoes and red peas. The general policy dedicates that these items should be imported to meet the shortfall in local production. However, in several cases some of those produce are imported without due regard for the level of local production. It is an open secret, depending on who is the Minister of Agriculture or political party in power, only certain people are granted permits to import these agricultural foods which attract very high mark-up and profit. Minister Clarke should therefore consider a more open and transparent method of granting import permits and encourage the farmers organizations including the Jamaica Livestock Association (JLA) and Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) to participate in these lucrative business opportunities. The Ministry of Agriculture should hold public hearings and consultations with the farmers and other stakeholders before considering the importation of any food items. The Ministry would adopt its own strategy of consultations as in the case of cane and fish farmers. The current tax package of applying GCT on eggs, selected agro chemicals and

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EDITORIAL PAGE

SEPTEMBER 2012 THE AGRICULTURALIST 3

Point
Publisher -The Agriculturalist editor@theagriculturalist.com

PATRICK MAITLAND

by

The opinions expressed in this newspaper, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Agriculturalist and its publishers. Please send your comments or suggestions to editor@theagriculturalist.com. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all articles will be published.

the reclaiming of taxes on other input supplies are pushing up the cost of production thus rendering Jamaica farm produce less competitive. The government should therefore place more duty on imported foods so that our farmers benefit instead of fattening farmers from abroad. The government should also focus on greenhouse farming or any other operations to foster medium to large-scale farming. Our small-scale and subsistence farmers cannot produce to meet domestic and export demand at competitive prices. Now is not the time to produce samples, we need consistently high volume and quality produce.

While it is important for us to pick winners in agriculture, the Government must commit vast resources in order to achieve sustainable food production. As in the case of the tourism sector, where Government allocated millions to construct hotels and later divest them to private owners, but continues to spend millions on advertising and staffing overseas to promote Jamaicas tourism products. However, the Governments support is not the cure-all solution to grow agriculture. The management and leadership in agriculture must do their jobs. Agriculture is not a welfare industry, we are in this business to feed people and make money in the process.

Dear Editor: just had time to read The Agriculturalist (August Issue 2012) and was taken aback by an error in a quotation from the Hon. Minister of Agriculture. Your article on Page 4, under the caption "Agriculture Ministry Pushing for Sugar Expansion" reports the Minister as saying "farmers need to lift the tonnes per acre yield from the low of 50 and 54 tonnes." While I was not at the function, I want to suggest that the Minister wanted the yield per hectare (not per acre) to move up from the fifties. You see, 50 t/ac (125 t/ha) is ex-

An Error in Minister Clarkes Story!

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cellent cane yield by any stretch of the imagination, and is a good standard producers should aim to reach. You may want to correct the error in the next issue! Too many persons are still stuck in the imperial system instead of moving over to metric, the now world standard. The Agriculturalist should also strive to use metric units in all its publications. -Edmond Lewis <edlew@cwjamaica.com>

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Continued from page 1 U.S. soybean futures hit a record high of $17.78 per bushel in trading on Thursday, while corn futures remained near the record of $8.49 set earlier this month. A severe drought in the United States has sharply cut corn and soybean yields this year, while a dry summer in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan has hurt wheat output. The World Bank said its experts do not foresee a repeat of 2008, when a food price spike triggered riots in some countries. Meanwhile, the Portia Simpson Miller Cabinet has established a committee to formulate Jamaica's response to the possibility of a significant increase in food prices.

World Food Prices Up by 10%

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Cooperative Movement: (l-r) Winston Ritchie of Hanover Bee Farmers Co-op; veteran educator Simon Clarke; General Manager, National Union of Co-oprative Society Limited (NUCS), Albert Smith inspect farm produce on display at NUCS 37th Annual General Meeting held recently in Kingston recently. IN CREASED RED PEAS PRODU CTION : State Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Ian Hayles (centre) is presented with a bag of locally grown red peas by President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Norman Grant (right) during the launch of the JAS National Red Peas Planting Project recently at the JAS headquarters in Kingston. Sharing the moment is National Farm Queen, Amelia Leveridge. Under the initiative, some 150 hectares of red peas will be planted over a 12-month period, to increase productivity by 30 per cent over the first year of the project, and grow steadily in ensuing years.

abinet has approved the imposition of a levy of US$1 on each pound of conch exported during the 2011 conch season. The Conch (Export Levy) Act, which was passed in 2009, is used in part to offset the cost of

Levy of US$1 on each pound of conch exported

Visiting clubites from the Barbados 4-H Clubs getting helpful info at the Knox College display in the Youth in Agriculture Village.
Photo: 4-H Clubs/Philip Hamilton

n Aquaculture Development Plan is to be implemented this year, with assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Roger Clarke, says some $22 million will be allocated from the Fisheries Management Development Fund (FMDF), to carry out the exercise. The Minister was addressing an African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Fish II Programme validation workshop, organised by the Ministry and the Belize-based

Aquaculture Development Plan to be Implemented

implementing programmes for monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement in relation to Jamaicas limited conch resources. These programmes are expected to reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

he Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is moving to assist local pig farmers in generating bio-energy from their operations, which could boost their income and benefit the renewable energy sector. FAO Sub-Regional Livestock Development Officer for the Caribbean, Dr. Cedric Lazarus, said the organisation is making arrangements to facilitate a visit to Jamaica by German bio-energy expert Professor Jens Born in

German Bio-Energy Expert to Lend Support to Pig Industry

ACP Regional Co-ordinating Unit, at the Farmers Training Centre, Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, on October 3. Clarke also informed that an additional $17 million has also been earmarked to undertake rehabilitation of the hatchery/nursery facility at the aquaculture branch of the Centre, to provide quality seed stock for the industry. The Minister said the aquaculture development plan is aimed at contributing to Jamaicas goals of ensuring food security; employment creation; import substitution; and foreign exchange savings.

early 2013, for dialogue with officials in the Ministry, and stakeholders in the pig sub-sector. Dr. Lazarus, who was addressing the Jamaica Pig Farmers Association's (JPFA) recent Annual General Meeting at the in Mandeville, said the move will go a far way in reducing the farmers operational overheads, while generating additional income through sale of energy to the national power grid, among other possible benefits.

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Alavanyo-Nkonya, Ghana:

amaican Wesley Appleton, 58 of Ghana, Africa, has been arrested for cultivating 400 acres of marijuana. The police also retrieved about five tonnes of cannabis which had been harvested and stored in fertiliser bags and plastic drums in nearby cottage. Ten other persons including three women were also arrested by members of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, following a raid in the Alavanyo-Nkonya District in the Volta Region. At a press briefing following the bust, the Director-General of the police unit said the farm was the

Jamaican arrested in Ghana for cultivating ganja

Wageningen, The Netherlands: he Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), in conjunction with UNECA and other international organisations and the private sector is organising an international conference on value chains, to take place, 6-9 November 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Dubbed making the connection: value chains for transforming smallholder agriculture, the conference will bring together more than 400 participants, including private sector, government officials, development partners, civil society, farmer organizations and academics, to share experiences on value chain development and discuss how best smallholder farmers can be incorporated into value chains in order to promote agricultural and rural development. The conference will focus on strengthening agricultural value chains that enable smallholders to become more actively engaged in market-led agriculture: transforming the role of the smallholder into that of an entrepreneur. The

Transforming Smallholder Agriculture in Developing Countries

largest in the history of the country. He said earlier in 2010 the headquarters gathered intelligence to the effect that a Jamaican had acquired a large portion of land in the area and was cultivating cannabis on large scale for export. The Police chief said based on this information the police mounted surveillance on him, and learned that the Jamaican, had acquired about 400 acres of land and had employed some youth, including schoolchildren to cultivate cannabis. Undercover agents were deployed in the area for some months and those agents were able to locate the farm.

griculture Minister Roger Clarke has responded to reports that farmers in Flagaman, St. Elizabeth are refusing to plant certain crops due to the continued presence of the beat army worm. Some of the crops being affected are onion and escallion. Clarke says the pest is still present but not wide scale. He said a meeting is being arranged with farm-

St Elizabeth farmers not planting some crops due to Beat Army worm

NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2012 THE AGRICULTURALIST 5

ers in the area to discuss ways to further contain the pest.

ROGER CLARKE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

In July the Agriculture Ministry reported that it had contained the spread of the Beat Army Worm which wreaked havoc on the agricultural sector in St. Elizabeth. It said there had been a significant decline in the level of infestation. A special team was set up to tackle the pest which ravaged several acres of crops including pepper, onion and escallion.

eteran agriculturalist Harold Spaulding was recently appointed acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) as the authority continues its search for a new CEO. The former CEO, Alexander Powell was fired on April 26 after four years in the post following what has been described asworrying findings of an audit at the agency.

meeting aims to identify the conditions necessary to create a broader and more solid knowledge base for the promotion of sustainable value chains, including training and information-sharing needs. It also seeks to provide an opportunity to exchange current ideas, knowledge, new approaches and best practices in order to both strengthen the efficiency and profitability of existing commercial value chains and assist those working to promote value chain development in order to strengthen economic growth in smallholder communities. Participants will also discuss issues related to trends impacting on value chain development, innovation, sustainability and scaling up, and capacity building.

The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) is a joint international institution of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and the European Union (EU). Its mission is to advance food and nutritional security, increase prosperity and encourage sound natural resource management in ACP countries.

6 THE AGRICULTURALIST SEPTEMBER 2012

roductivity levels among the Caribbean's farmers are expected to be significantly boosted with the implementation of a $20 million Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)-funded project, dubbed the: Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages' (PROPEL). The five-year project aims to position some 28,000 small farmers in over eight Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, to provide an adequate and consistent supply of agricultural products to large purchasers, such as hotels and airlines within the region, by enhancing their capacity.

Farmers to Benefit from CAN$20 M Project by CIDA

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ALL THAT'S GOLDEN: The smiles are about the new Jablum Gold Blue Mountain Coffee- all that's golden. In photo (l-r) Minister of Agriculture Roger Clarke; director of Mavis Bank Coffee Company Jeffrey Hall and CEO of the company, Norman Grant at a press launch recently for the Jablums roasted and grounded coffee beans.

I
EU

n a major declaration adopted at their 2012 Congress, European farm leaders called on EU heads of state, governments, the EU Commission and Parliament to ensure that there is a strong, market orientated Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and a good budget behind it. This is more important than ever in a world of increasing uncertainty, market volatility and rising global food demand. In a world of increasing uncertainty and volatility on world markets, the need for Europe to have a strong agricultural sector is more important than ever. EU farmers, men and women, and their cooperatives have the potential not only provide food security and stable prices to the 500 million consumers but also contribute to economic growth and employment, help combat climate change and continue to provide a wide range of rural services. For this to happen farmers need to have a more profitable and sounder economic situation. They need to have greater stability so that they can make long-term plans and invest. And they need access to new techniques and new markets so that they can better cope with climate change and make the most of Europes production capacity. A strong CAP, backed by a strong budget, must set us on this path. The future CAP should: assist farmers to obtain their fair and rightful share of the food value chain in return for their onfarm value added by increasing

EU Farm Leaders Call for Strong, Market Orientated Farm Policy

Benefits which are expected to accrue to beneficiary stakeholders include: the building of a more integrated regional economy; fostering economic growth; and increased incomes to farmers. Implementation of PROPEL is being spearheaded by the non-government organisation, Canadian Hunger Foundation (CHF), which has provided a contribution of $1 million. The CHF, which has been operating in the Caribbean for over 18 years, has successfully demonstrated its ability to develop the capacity of producer groups and institutions through a range of projects.

transparency, banning unfair commercial practices and encouraging producer organisations, in particular cooperatives; put new emphasis on achieving green growth on farms through solutions which benefit both farmers productive capacity, productivity and efficiency as well as the environment and climate change; develop research and innovation and ensure a more joined-up approach between farmers, advisors and researchers; develop the new opportunities offered by the bio-based industry and tackle the current bottlenecks in the supply value chain; ensure a balanced and stable biofuels policy which takes into account the benefits not only for climate change but also in reducing EU dependence on protein feed imports as well as energy imports; provide better market and risk management and more market intelligence and coherence to help farmers cope with increasing volatility and crises on world markets; encourage new business initiatives in rural areas and ensure that women play a more integrated role in business development; develop cooperative enterprise initiatives to improve farmers returns in the face of more international competition; provide a stable policy framework so that farmers, including young farmers, can make longterm plans and investments no U-turns. .TheCropSite News Desk

By Beverly Baylis St. Ann won unequivocally at the 2012 Denbigh Agricultural & Industrial Show, capturing the coveted Rudolph Burke Trophy for- the best overall pavilion. The parish also won nine sectional awards including initiative and resourcefulness, marketing potential youth involvement, and environmental sustainability. Under the theme, Evolutionary Growth +Environmental Management = Sustainable Development for the Agricultural & Tourism

St. Ann was on top at Denbigh

Sector, the display highlighted climate change and how farmers and other stakeholders can work together to mitigate the effects of that change. RADAs St Ann parish manager Donald Robin-

A model green house on display at Denbigh

son said we was very pleased with the performance of the parish and praised the staff of RADA as well as the sponsors for their commitment and support for over the years.

merican Sugar Refining, Inc., the world's largest sugar refining company, became the majority shareholder of Belize Sugar Industries, Ltd., the chief supplier of Fair Trade-certified sugar globally. American Sugar acquired a majority of BSI, while the company's previous shareholders, including BSI Employee Holdings Limited, continue to hold the remaining shares.

American Sugar Refining, Inc. Acquires Belize Industries

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SEPTEMBER 2012 THE AGRICULTURALIST 7

Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners Discovery Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica WI Phone: (876) 973-2221-5 Kent.Skyers@norandabauxite.com www.norandabauxite.com

8 THE AGRICULTURALIST SEPTEMBER 2012

DENBIGH SHOW HIGHLIGHT PHOTOS

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JAMAICA HOPE: (l-r) Opposition leader Andrew Holness with JAS president Norman Grant and livestock specialist Janice Holness pet a Jamaica Hope heifer at Denbigh.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller presents Oliver Thompson Sales and Marketing Manager, HiPro Division, Jamaica Broilers Group with the champion exhibitor trophy, while Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke (c) looks on. Agriculture Ministry Permanent Secretary Donovan Stanberry (l) inspects vacuum packed breadfruit at the College of Agriculture, Science booth with lecture Seymour Webster while another member of the college staff looks on.

FAO Rep in Jamaica Jerome Thomas presents Damoy Matthews at the YIA Prize Giving Ceremony at Denbigh 2012 -Philip Hamilton Photo:

Sydney Pagon Agricultural High Schools instructor Frank Johnson (1st l) along with his students.

WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

DENBIGH SHOW HIGHLIGHT PHOTOS

SEPTEMBER 2012 THE AGRICULTURALIST 9

COMMUNICATIONS: Mary A. Nichols, acting-president of the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) (r) presents a copy of the colleges newsletter to past student and St. Lucias Minister of Agriculture, Food production, Fisheries and Rural Development Moses Baptiste, while public relations co-ordinator Sonia Simms looks on.

Champion farmer Leslie Murray; Farm Queen 2012 Amelia Leveridge and Young Champion Nicholas Powell pose with their trophies at the recent Denbigh Agricultural Show.

DENBIGH CHAMPIONS:

FERTILIZER FOR THE FARM QUEENS: Hedda Rose-Pitter Sales manager of Newport Fersan (Jamaica) Limited (far right) presents samples of the companys fertilizer to national farm queen winners (l-r) second place Miss St Thomas Sandrene Bryan; Amelia Leveridge National Farm Queen 2012 and Sandrene Bryan third place Miss St Mary.

Chief Executive Officer of Jamaica Broilers, Christopher Levy guides his daughter as she pets a Jamaica Red Poll cow, while honour student Kimberly Maitland (3rd r) looks on

oubt is being expressed that the local production of corn will help Jamaica counter the effects of the drastic rise in the cost of the commodity. The price of corn has increased by more than 50 per-

Local production of corn will not reduce cost in short term

cent in the past six months due mainly to the drought in the US. The Government has been pushing the production of corn to prevent a massive rise in food prices locally. Chief Executive Officer of

Jamaica Broilers, Christopher Levy, says the effects will not be significant. He says they are cultivating 100 acres of corn but it will not be enough in the short term to mitigate the cost.

10 THE AGRICULTURALIST SEPTEMBER 2012

project to develop novel insectderived feed protein that could help replace expensive soya bean meal and fishmeal in poultry and pig diets has been announced by ABN's parent company, AB Agri. The project involves entomologists, biochemists and nutritionists, combining the expertise within ABN with that of scientists at the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera). Insect larvae will be grown on organic waste materials, then processed for use in animal feeds and initially evaluated in poultry. "With global protein supply currently struggling to keep up with demand, and protein prices sky-high this year as a result, there's a real need to develop new, sustainable alternatives," explained ABN technical director Angela Booth. "This project is an exciting opportunity to see if the highly-digestible protein in insect larvae could help meet that need.

PW Reporters, www.fwi.co.uk

Research looks at insect protein for poultry feed

RESEARCHERS NEWS

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he Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, a producer of pesticides for commercial and consumer lawn and garden uses, was sentenced today in federal district court in Columbus, Ohio, to pay a $4 million fine and perform community service for eleven criminal violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which governs the manufacture, distribution, and sale of pesticides. Scotts pleaded guilty in February 2012 to illegally applying insecticides to its wild bird food products that are toxic to birds, falsifying pesticide registration documents, distributing pesticides with misleading and unapproved labels and distributing unregistered pesticides. This is the largest criminal penalty under FIFRA to date. In a separate civil agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Scotts agreed to pay more than $6 million in penalties and spend $2 million on environmental projects under a settlement that resolves additional civil pesticide violations . The violations include distributing or selling unregistered, canceled or misbranded pesticides, including products with inadequate warnings or cautions. This is the largest civil settlement under FIFRA to date. As the worlds largest marketer of residential use pesticides, Scotts has a special obligation to make certain that it observes the laws governing the sale and use of its products. For having failed to do so, Scotts has been sentenced to pay the largest fine in the history of FIFRA enforcement, said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of

Scotts Miracle-Gro Will Pay $12.5 M in Penalties for Violations of Federal Pesticide Laws

"As a bonus, the organic waste substrate is reduced in mass by about 50%, and can be used as a valuable fertiliser." The aim is to have a viable pilot-scale production system up and running by the end of the three-year project, which is jointly funded by AB Agri and the Technology Strategy Board. In addition to overcoming the technical production challenges, a strong focus will be placed on evaluating the feed's nutritional value and its suitability for use as an animal feed, especially in relation to consumer acceptability.

Justice. The Department of Justice will continue to work with EPA to assure that pesticides applied in homes and on lawns and food are sold and used in compliance with the laws intended to assure their safety. The misuse or mislabeling of pesticide products can cause serious illness in humans and be toxic to wildlife, said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPAs Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Todays sentence and unprecedented civil settlement hold Scotts accountable for widespread company noncompliance with pesticide laws, which put products into the hands of consumers without the proper authorization or warning labels. In the plea agreement, Scotts admitted that it applied the pesticides Actellic 5E and Storcide II to its bird food products even though EPA had prohibited this use. Scotts had done so to protect its bird foods from insect infestation during storage. Scotts admitted that it used these pesticides contrary to EPA directives and in spite of the warning label appearing on all Storicide II containers stating, Storcide II is extremely toxic to fish and toxic to birds and other wildlife. Scotts sold this illegally treated bird food for two years after it began marketing its bird food line and for six months after employees specifically warned Scotts management of the dangers of these pesticides. By the time it voluntarily recalled these products in March 2008, Scotts had sold more than 70 million units of bird food illegally treated with pesticide that is toxic to birds.

WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

n article published on the Maersk shipping lines website has described the change under way in the transportation of bananas resulting from the increase in the use of refrigerated containers, known as reefer containers. A single 20-foot container can hold 48,000 bananas. Significantly, the use of refrigerated containers allows bananas to be kept fresh for up to 50 days, creating new marketing opportunities. Already in 2009 around a third of all bananas were transported internationally in refrigerated containers, and this proportion is growing. According to a Maersk Line in-house study on the Indian banana trade, refrigerated containers can support smallholder growers in getting their bananas to foreign markets at a higher value than they can achieve domestically and at much lower waste levels. It is also noted that the modular nature of refrigerated containers means smallholder farmers are more easily able to distribute smaller volumes. This is seen as opening up new opportunities for more inclusive supply chains. The Maersk Line article also highlights the findings of a study by WWF/UN

Refrigerated containers Provide opportunities for banana exporters

TRADE & MARKET NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2012 THE AGRICULTURALIST 11

Global Compact on Smart Goods Transport that growing certain products, e.g. in Africa, and shipping them to Europe in energy-efficient vessels can be less carbonintensive than greenhouse production in Europe. Maersk adds that, in response to consumer concerns, it has recently joined a multi-stakeholder alliance to advance key economic, social and environmental objectives in global food supply chains. However, an article posted on Freshplaza.com reports that research undertaken by the South African Citrus Growers Association has suggested that pallets used in reefer containers are 15% heavier than

conventional pallets, with consequent cost implications along the logistics chain, while the incidence of damage to citrus fruits was reportedly higher (based on offthe-record comments from cargo insurers). A focus of the Maersk article was on the scope for expanding imports of bananas from India, the worlds largest banana producer. Press reports indicate that Brazil is also to initiate a major banana export drive from the second half of 2012, following the elaboration of good practice protocols for the production of export-quality bananas. The first scheduled exports to the EU are set for November 2012, and there are hopes that Germany in particular will offer considerable market potential for the silver banana variety. Ecuador, meanwhile, is increasingly concerned about the rise of Guatemala and Peru as banana exporters, according to another article posted on Freshplaza.com. Guatemala has high productivity levels (3,500 boxes per ha, compared to 1,800/ha in Ecuador), and Peru has a specialist focus on organic banana production. Peruvian organic banana exports in the first quarter of 2012 were reportedly up 30% compared to the same period in 2011, which was itself a record year. http://agritrade.cta.int

hina is set to become Africas largest export destination and single biggest trading partner in 2012, according to analysis from Standard Bank, South Africa. This is a dramatic turnaround in just 4 years, since in 2008 exports to China stood at half those to the US. China has also managed to rapidly increase exports to Africa, with analysts describing China as well positioned to participate in Africas next phase of development. Bilateral trade volumes between

Chinas growing role in African trade

he Chinese-owned Pan Caribbean Sugar Corporation (PCSC) recently signed a new marketing agreement with the Jamaica government to market its sugar. According to reports from the Jamaica Information Service, an agency agreement was signed in May 2012 which gave the PCSC the right to market its own sugar, under the provisions of the Sugar Industry Control Act. The Minister of Agriculture, Roger Clarke explained that for the next three crop years, the rest of the industry will continue to pool their sugar in order to satisfy an agreement to supply Tate and Lyle of Britain with a specified quantity of sugar. This consists of two sugar estates not controlled by PCSC, and planters affiliated to the Jamaica Cane Farmers Association. The CEO of PCSC, Francis He gave an undertaking to work with the cane farmers Association to arrive at a mechanism that is transparent, efficient and cost-effective. The Minister sought to reassure farmers that the dual marketing arrangement would not place them at a disadvantage, since the Sugar Industry Authority (SIA) would independently verify the authenticity of whatever proceeds will be declared by Pan Caribbean and would ensure that PCSC used the existing cane payment formula.

Pan Caribbean to Sell its Sugar

ISO bearish on sugar prices as supply squeeze ends

Africa and China now exceed US$160 billion per annum, or almost one-fifth of Africas overall trade. Imports [to Africa] from China stood at $73 billion in 2011, up 23% on 2010. According to Standard Bank, the rapid growth in trade between the two regions is putting pressure on more established partners such as the EU and the US to strengthen their commercial ties with Africa. Significantly, fuels, ores and metals account for almost 90% of all Chinese imports from Africa.

he International Sugar Organization called time on the four-season spell of squeezed sugar supplies which drove futures to a 30year high, foreseeing record production keeping prices under "bearish pressure". The group, in its first formal forecasts for 2012-13, forecast world sugar output rising by 2.3% to a record 177.4m tonnes, led by a sharp recovery in Brazil, the biggest producer. Brazil's output will "improve considerably", soaring 11% to 38.1m tonnes during the season, on the October-to-September season the ISO strictly follows, if remaining below the record 40.9m tonnes set three years before. However, consumption will rise more slowly, by 1.9%, to 171.5m tonnes, leaving the

world with an output surplus of 5.9m tonnes. While the ISO slashed its estimate of the 2011-12 surplus by more than 1.3m tonnes to 5.3m tonnes, reflecting more buoyant ideas of consumption, the world looks set to see a substantial rebuilding on world inventories. The stocks-to-use ratio, an indicator of the tightness of supplies of a raw material and therefore of its price potential, looks set to return by the end of 2012-13 to "around 40%". "This suggests that the period of low stocks environment, one of the main market characteristics for the past four seasons from 200809 to 2011-12, would be over," the organisation said, signalling a downward influence on values.

12 THE AGRICULTURALIST SEPTEMBER 2012

he Pesticides Control Authority, Ministry of Health, joins the rest of the Caribbean through the Coordinating Group of Pesticide Control Boards of the Caribbean (CGPC) each year in observing Pesticides Awareness Week. This year it will be observed during the week of September 23 -29, with the theme Protecting Health and the Environment through Pesticide Management. The prime objective of observing the week is to remind pesticide sellers and users, including farmers and householders, that in general pesticides are poisons, and therefore need to be handled, stored and used with care, and the

PESTICIDES AWARENESS FEATURE

Tuesday Sept. 25: National Agricultural Schools Quiz competition at Sydney Pagon High School, Elim, St. Elizabeth, Wednesday Sept. 26: Community meeting on pesticide safety in Guys Hill, St. Catherine, Thursday Sep. 27: Outside broadcast in St. William Grant Park, Kingston Pesticide safety messages are

Protecting the Health and Environment Through Pesticide Management

also being broadcast on radio and television, as well as printed in this newspaper feature. This year 2012 is also the 20th anniversary of the operations of the Pesticides Control Authority which started in 1992 under the first Registrar, Mr. Paul Whylie. The Pesticides Control Authority wishes to thank all stakeholders that are participating in

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prime objective of all the players in the pesticides supply chain - manufacturers, distributors and retailers- is to ensure the safe and effective use of their products. This begins at the manufacturer's level with the constant search for new products, which increasingly are effective at low doses, are pest specific, and are lower in toxicity and environmental impact. The pesticide industry's concern for safety is also carried into the development of appropriate packaging and labelling in accordance with local regulations. Further, end users are instructed on safe use by means of field days and other extension activities in such areas as storage, application, worker protection and safe disposal of pesticides. Cooperation with regulatory and Government extension agencies in the promotion of the safe use of pesticides is also a focus of distributors and retailers. The Industry has also developed a number of specific safe use guides for storage & disposal, transportation, application and first aid, among others. Locally, the pesticide trade endeavours to comply with the

Ensuring the safe and effective use of pesticides

empty containers disposed of safely, following the label. The activities for the week include: Sunday Sept. 23: Church service at Saxthorpe Methodist, St. Andrew.

By Michael Ramsay, Registrar, Pesticides Control Authority

Pesticides Awareness Week. They include agencies of the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Industry, Investment and Commerce, the Jamaica Agricultural Chemicals Association and. Pesticide safety is vital to the Jamaican people and environment, and all must play their part.

A regular copy in everybodys interest... The Agriculturalist

editor@theagriculturalist.com www.tropicalfarmersalmanac.com

PCA's requirements for registration, classification and safe management of the products, and to be the interface between overseas manufacturers and the regulatory agency, as well as to implement the stewardship requirements of the manufacturers. As a general guide to safe use, the industry highly recommends that the label directions should be strictly followed: READ THE LABEL and READ IT AGAIN!! The JACA is an association of dealers in pesticides set up to represent members views and interests to the Government, other organizations with an interest in pesticides and the public at large.

By Graham Dunkley, President, Jamaica Agricultural Chemicals Association (JACA)

Tel: 923-7471 Fax: 923-7428

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ommon household pesticides that are usually found around the home are rat bait, roach poison, ants powder or gel and aerosol spray for flying and crawling insects. It is important, especially if children are around, that keen attention is paid to the proper usage, storage and the right method of cleaning after using such harmful chemicals. Safe Storage Have a designated area for the storage of pesticides and other dangerous chemicals. This area must be locked at all times, not accessible by children and only be used for the prescribed purpose. Store pesticides in their original containers and in a well ventilated area. Pesticides should not be stored with food, drinking water or medicine. Usage Read the label and follow the instructions before using pesticides. Always wear protective gears when using pesticides (observe the label) to limit your bodys exposure to these harmful substances; remember the aim of using the chemical is to kill the pest and not harm yourself or loved ones in the process.

PESTICIDES AWARENESS FEATURE Integrated Pest Management Pesticide storage and (IPM) in Food Establishments use around the home C
Courtsey of Caribbean Poison Information Network (CARPIN)

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Be careful not to use pesticides around children and food. Childrens toys should be out of the way whilst using a pesticide at home, never overuse pesticide or purchase more than what you need to use. There are other methods for preventing a pest problem instead of using pesticides, such as disposing of garbage properly and keeping a sanitary environment. Tips Change garments and wash hands thoroughly after using a pesticide Do not eat, drink or smoke while using pesticide Store pesticides in their original container, locked away out of the reach of children Have the CARPIN number 1-888-7647667 at hand when using any dangerous substance In case of accident follow the procedures on the label.

ockroaches, flies, ants, rats, mice and stored product pests (which include weevils and moths) are all pests which may infest food establishments. These establishments provide just what these pests need: food, water and shelter. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which includes proper storage, inspection, sanitation and proofing, will minimize infestation and pesticide usage. Food storage areas must be of sound construction, well maintained and free of leaks, cracks and crevices. Storage areas must be kept dry, cool and well ventilated. Sanitary bases are advised and walls should be painted in a light colour. All unnecessary openings must be permanently blocked and necessary openings, such as windows, properly meshed and doors must be close fitting. Never store infested goods with wholesome goods and practice first in, first out stock rotation. Sanitation is critical in any IPM programme. All areas must be kept clean, dry and free of food particles. A vacuum may used to get rid of small insects. Garbage bins must be securely covered and emptied regularly. Outdoor areas must be free of debris and all possible pest harbourage areas removed. Vegetation must be kept low.

It is important to regularly inspect indoors and outdoors. Inspect all goods (food and non-food) upon receipt. It may be necessary to inspect at night for rats, mice and cockroaches. Staff members must know the signs of pest infestation and understand the negative health and economic impact pests have. If it becomes necessary to apply pesticides, always use a licensed operator. Pesticides must always be used in a manner to prevent poisoning of persons and contamination of food areas. Infested goods must be treated or disposed of as soon as possible. For further information, please contact the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division (FSPID), Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

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ntegrated Pest Management (IPM) uses compatible strategies to reduce pest numbers and damage to acceptable levels. IPM emphasizes minimal negative impacts of pesticides on the environment and human health. Neighbouring farmers must cooperate with each other for best results. Strategies include: CulturalNormal work that makes field conditions best for the crop and worst for the pest. e.g. proper site selection, land preparation, field sanitation, planting time, crop rotation and water management. MechanicalThe use of greenhouses, crop barriers, hand-picking of pests and insect trapping. Biological-natural enemies of pests (e.g. ladybird beetles), pest diseases, pheromones, plant juices. Chemicalusing pesticides only when necessary. Choose soaps, oils, botanical and biorationals before harsher pesticides. Biorationals are pesticides of natural origin that have little or no adverse effects on the environment.

PESTICIDES AWARENESS FEATURE IPM uses compatible strategies to reduce pests!

Summary Study fields and surroundings; learn about pests, beneficials, other crop problems (e.g. poor nutrition) and their causes, Do not try to kill every single pest, most crops bear well even with some pest damage.

IPM Rules for Pesticide Use Know what problem is affecting the crop If a pesticide is needed, use the safest one that will work. Read and follow the label Measure the right amount and mix properly Where possible, use baits instead of sprays. If pests are only in small sections of the field, treat only those sections Always use the right sprayer and nozzle for the job: o Hollow cone for insecticides and fungicides o Flood jet or fan jet for herbicides.

Principles of IPM 1. Understand the crop, its environment and how they interact 2. Many disciplines are involved 3. Natural techniques are maximized 4. Pesticides are a last resort Impact of IPM Increased crop yield and quality Reduced losses to pests Reduced health risks 4. Improved environmental quality and food safety 5.Improved farmer earnings -Contributed by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA)

Most bird and rabbit cages, ferret houses, hamster homes, etc. can be adequately cleaned bywiping them down with a sponge

Clean the cat litter pan by removing the soiled litter and pouring in 1/2 inch vinegar. Let it stand for ten minutes or so, then pour out and dry. To control odors before filling again, sprinkle 1/2 cup baking soda over the bottom of the pan. Dont forget to clean the litter scoops as well.

Your pet has a favorite pillow it snuggles up with. This is all well and good, but every now and then you might want to make it smell a little less petlike. You can do this by sprinkling the bedding with baking soda, letting it stand for at least 15 minutes, then vacuuming thoroughly.

Never use bleach or other products containing ammonia for cleaning as ammonia is in urine and your pet will think it is urine they are smelling.

Cleaning your Pets Beds, Litter Boxes, Cages, etc

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When it's time to clean out the fish tank, clean the inside of the glass with plain non-iodized salt by sprinkling it onto a damp sponge and scrubbing. This will remove hard water deposits or other buildup on the glass. Rinse everything well before returning the fish to the tank.
Contact: Jamaican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal 929-0320: jspca@yahoo.com www.jspca.info

sprinkled with baking soda or dampened with vinegar. Both of these are especially good with urine smells and stains. You might also want to add a thin layer of baking soda on the floor of the cage after cleaning to help control odors.

Pet Care

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