Jamaica News: Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Agriculture JC Hutchinson says the recent recovery of 23 stolen goats in a car in Clarendon is a reminder of the challenges faced by farmers and said this is why legislation will go before parliament to hit thieves even harder.
The proposed amendments will specifically strengthen the Agriculture Produce Act where a praedial thief when caught will have to pay the fine ordered by the court as well as pay the farmer for the value of the crop or animal stolen should these goods not be recovered, spoilt, died or got damaged.
Minister Hutchinson in the meantime invited interested women to get in touch with the government through its agriculture agencies including the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to take advantage of new offerings.
He said 50 acres of land in St Elizabeth has been set aside specifically for women to farm and is part of the government’s response to the eagerness of women who want to farm but don’t have access to land.
By: Mckoy’s News Reporter
