The Ministry of Agriculture empathises with the entire tri island state, as this country contends with the effects of Covid-19, and wishes to inform the public of the formation of its Covid-19 National Food Security Mitigation and Response Plan, geared at bringing a level of relief to farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector and by extension the entire population.
This plan, which is a collaborative effort by the ministry, MNIB and other stakeholders, highlights the impending impact of Covid-19 on the country’s food security and mitigation efforts to increase production and productivity within the agricultural sector.
As a result of this pandemic, food security has become a major priority as consumers have recognised the need for a more secure domestic food supply, and a food supply chain that is less reliant on imported food.
As such, the Covid-19 National Food Security Mitigation and Response Plan will provide relief through the following activities:
- The implementation of a restructured Farm Labour Support Programme to establish 200 acres of staple food crops and vegetables, in collaboration with commercial farmers.
- Provision of agriculture inputs for small-scale and backyard farmers.
- Guaranteed market access through the Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB).
- Provision of support to livestock farmers to stabilise costs of production.
- Provide support to fisherfolk and exporters.
- Provide support to agro-processors.
- Provide support to the GCNA, GCA and other farmers’ organisations and associations to protect farmers’ livelihoods.
Major outcomes would include:
- Provision of a sustainable supply of fresh produce and agro-products
- Development and implementation of an Agricultural Produce Pricing Policy
- A reduction in the food importation bill
- Creation of short-term employment over the implementation period
- Development of a collection and data sharing framework among Sector Stakeholders
NB: Given the protocol governing social distancing, the ministry will be rolling out an online application process shortly. Individuals without such access will be provided with the necessary assistance.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands remains committed to the successful implementation of the Covid-19 National Food Security Mitigation and Response Plan.
Ministry of Agriculture…ensuring food and nutrition security for all.
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Wonderful news and great strategic plan. But, How soon before I can go out with my boat to fish again? Not just to sell, but for home use…?
Wonderful news….its been written,now lets get it into action….I would like to add that this can go way beyond farmers….everyone with a home can grow something for their own needs, callaloo in the drain, a few lettuce outside the door which can be watered with waste water, pots of basil and chive on the porch….it may not sound like much,but overall would make a substancial difference
I always wondered why we had a Ministry of Agriculture. What are the details of putting this into action? Theoretically it sounds good. How is the Ministry going to contact and work with the small farm owners who they have ignored to date? Let’s make this work! Also include fishermen in the organisation.
Closing the stable doors after the horse has bolted!
I must say thus really impressed me. I have seen nothing like this from the UK government,to be fair their main focus is fighting the virus at the moment. However it is clear that food supplies world wide will be affected by this pandemic and the security of food supplies could become a major outlyer for poloticians in the future.as a regular visitor to the island (still virus free) I am pleased to see such forward thinking.