Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr has renewed his calls for an increased partnership between Jamaica and the Republic of Cuba, during a virtual meeting with Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture Maury Hechavarria Bermudez on December 20.
The two neighboring countries have enjoyed a solid friendship over the last 50 years, with hundreds of Jamaican students benefiting from Cuba’s generosity in advancing their tertiary education and others receiving specialized training in the field of agriculture.
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Notwithstanding, Minister Charles Jr said that there is even more potential for the nations to join efforts, especially in research and development for pest management, weed management, and alternatives for animal feed and fertilizers.
“These are areas of focus because they directly impact our capacity for increased and improved production and will be a focus as we in Jamaica drive our Grow Smart, Eat Smart strategy, which we welcome Cuba to join,” he noted.
“Another important area of continued collaboration that can be better refined is the engagement as it relates to the expertise for the repair of equipment used in farming operations,” he added.
The minister’s recommendations were well received by Minister Hechavarria Bermudez, who also cemented the need for heightened trade in agriculture.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries continues to prioritize its Grow Smart, Eat Smart strategy which will result in a reduced food importation bill. Consequently, Minister Charles Jr remains committed to exploring all viable options to advance agriculture and, ultimately, achieve food security.
