October 22, 2019

Agriculture Ministry urges beekeepers to protect honeybees during mosquito fogging

Beekeepers are being urged to take special precautions in the management of their beehives during aerial spraying and fogging.

Chief Plant Protection Officer in the Apiculture Unit of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hugh Smith asserted that the chemical being used to eradicate mosquito is hazardous to the honey bees at all stages.

These are eggs, larvae, pre-pupae and adults.

With the focus of tackling global hunger, World Food Day is celebrated annually through the Food and Agriculture Organization to promote worldwide awareness and action for persons and nations suffering from hunger, the need to ensure food security and the provision of nutritious diets for all.

On an annual basis, on October 16^th, people from countries across the world come together with the commonality of purpose to highlight and declare their commitment to eradicate hunger.

The RADA Parish Open Day had its humble beginnings in the hosting of the event at its Parish Office in Morant Bay, June 1998.

Over the years the Parish Open Day has grown to become a local staple highlighting the achievements of farmers and providing the opportunity for knowledge transfer and direct stakeholder interactions.

RADA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Community and Workers Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at the Union’s Board Room, 51 Half Way Tree Road, Kingston.

This public/private partnership will seek to open up the arena for the empowerment of local communities based on the simple yet important opportunity presented to farmers for increased channel to access finance at reasonable rates.

The RADA St. Elizabeth Parish Open Day dubbed Agrifest has grown significantly over the years to become the biggest agricultural showcase in the Parish. The  St. Elizabeth Agrifest which was held on Friday, May 30, 2019 at the Social Development Commission Complex, Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth provided the direct opportunity for farmers to interact with RADA and other agricultural stakeholders.

As a supporter and sponsor of the National Exporters Month organized by the Jamaica Manufacturers Association, RADA also participated as booth exhibitor Jamaica International Exhibition at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Rose Hall St. James on May 30 – June 1, 2019.

The biennial trade show sought to facilitate the promotion and expansion of local markets to a global audience through exports.

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) in partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) hosted a cross-learning tour to facilitate a team of Agricultural Extension Officers and Farmers from Antigua & Barbuda during the period of February 5-8, 2019.