JAS updates Cuban ambassador on MOU with small farmers

The Jamaica Agricultural Society, met recently with Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, Inés Fors to update her on progress made under a MOU signed in 2015 between the JAS and the National Association of Small Farmers of Cuba.

The agreement involves an exchange programme geared at sharing best practices, technical expertise and farm technology between small farmers in Jamaica and Cuba.

JAS President Norman Grant says among the areas discussed at the meeting are participation of Cuban farmers in the Denbigh Agricultural Show; establishing  a pilot project to explore rice growing in Jamaica; and the possibility of Cuba hosting Jamaica’s national farm queen and champion farmers to expose them to the agricultural environment in that country.

They also examined opportunities for Jamaicans to be offered scholarships in agriculture and rural development at Cuban institutions; reviewing techniques Cuban farmers use for disaster preparedness, and the possibility of a JAS delegation visiting Cuba sometime in May this year.

Mr. Grant assured the ambassador that the JAS is committed to the implementation of the initiatives and proposed agreements under the MOU.