The FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries recently signed an agreement promoting rainwater harvesting and small-scale irrigation in South Saint Elizabeth. The signing took place at a function at the Ministry’s head office at Hope Gardens where RADA displayed tools and equipment available to farmers under the theme: “Advancing Jamaica’s Agriculture through Technology.”

Under the agreement, the FAO will contribute USD $216,000.00 to the Ministry: “To promote rainwater harvesting techniques, efficient water use technologies, soil moisture retention techniques by farmers, and the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, to improve the management of water and the overall productivity of small farmers in South St. Elizabeth.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, FAO Representative for Jamaica, The Bahamas & Belize, Dr. Dunstan Campbell, said the FAO recognized the importance of St. Elizabeth as “Jamaica’s bread basket.” Accepting the donation, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. The Honourable Christopher Tufton thanked the FAO on behalf of the people of Jamaica.