the agriculturalist newspaper - september 2013

VOL. 24 NO. 4 • SEPTEMBER 2013 FREE COPY WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

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Farmers’Almanac

(2014)923-7471

Where arethe bees?‘Colony Collapse Disorder’ Threatens Bee Population

Administrators and farmers are worriedas annual honey production is down by anestimated 30 per cent over the past fiveyears as uncertainty looms over fledging$1 billion bee industry.

The so-called ‘colony collapse disor-der’ has been described as a pathologicalcondition affecting a large number of hon-eybee colonies, in which various stressesincluding exposure to neonicotinoids, aclass of insecticides with a common modeof action that affects the central nervoussystem of insects, causing paralysis anddeath, may lead to the sudden disappear-ance of bees.

The Pesticides Control Authority(PCA) is launching a research initiative todetermine the extent to which the chemi-cals are affecting bee population.

According to Michael Ramsay, the reg-istrar of the PCA, while there is no scien-tific proof to link the death of million ofbees to the use of neonicotinoids, the au-thority is consulting with farmers, re-

searchers and other stakeholders to deter-mine the possible effect of the insecticideon local honey production. “The researchresults will guide us in regulating the im-portation and use of these pesticides. Weare very concerned about the ‘colony col-lapse disorder’ but need more informationto protect our bee industry and our cropsfrom harmful pests,” Ramsay explains.

Reginald Peddy, chief plant protectionofficer and head of the Apiculture Unit inthe Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries,confirmed that beekeepers are experienc-ing declining levels production and otherchallenges because of colony collapse dis-order. He estimates total annual honey pro-duction at 1,400 tons.

He pointed out that the use of pesticidesincluding the neonicotinoids are always aconcern for beekeepers and his unit is mon-itoring the situation and partnering with thePCA, farmers and other stakeholders tofind a workable solution.

Continued on page 4

By Patrick Maitland Editor-The Agriculturalist

The Jamaican bee population is being threatened by Neonicotinoid chemicals, a classof neuro-active insecticides chemically similar to nicotine, which is believed to be

responsible for the abrupt disappearance of worker bees from the hive, leaving only thequeen and newly hatched bees behind and thus causing the colony to stop functioning.

DENBIGH SHOW ACHIEVERS: Female Champion Farmer 2013 Maria Azan (l) poes with National Farm Queen2013 Nordia Lewin at the recent Denbigh Show.

Turn to page 13 for more Denbigh photos/story.

Newport-Fersan (Jamaica) Ltd staff Eulitt Pinnock (1st l) and Hedda Rose-Pitter(3rd l) show Derrick Heaven, chairman, Sugar Industry Authority the company’slatest fertilizer products at Denbigh Show 2013.

2 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • SEPTEMBER 2013 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM

WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COM SEPTEMBER 2013 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • 3

EDITORIAL PAGE

As we celebrate “Pesticides AwarenessWeek” during September, it presents a

good opportunity to talk about the use ofpesticides in agriculture as we seek to en-hance food production.

As defined by the Food and AgricultureOrganization (FAO) pesticides, that in-cludes herbicides, insecticides and fungi-cides, refers to any substance or mixture ofsubstances intended for preventing, de-stroying or controlling pests.

With the application of modern tech-nologies the process is now called crop-pro-tection technology which includes a widerange of biotechnology products to helpcontrol the thousands of weed species,harmful insects and numerous plant dis-eases that badly affect crops.

Food production would decline, manyfruits and vegetables would be in short sup-ply and the price of food would rise with-out these important crop protection and pestcontrol technologies.

However, the cost of pesticides has be-come a significant factor for local farmers.It has been reported that farmers spend ap-proximately $4.1 billion on pesticides an-nually.

In fact, between 2009 and 2010, Ja-maica imported 2,451 tons of pesticide val-ued at US$13.6 million. They justify thishigh cost by a direct dollar return of from$3 to $5 for every $1 spent on pesticides.

On the other hand, while pesticides inmost cases are designed to kill pests, manyalso pose risks to people.

Several studies have concluded that pes-ticides such as the Organophosphates andCarbamates can affect the human nervoussystem. Others irritate the skin or eyes whilesome pesticides are believed to contain car-cinogens. There are also other pesticidesthat are believed to affect the hormonal orendocrine system in the body.

In other words, pesticides pose a seriousthreat, including the death, if precautionarymeasures are not taken.

In the absence of data on poisoning onthe farm, the Ministry of Health reportedthat 12 per cent of the cases of accidentalpoisoning that occurred were caused by pes-ticides.

In Jamaica, the Pesticides Control Au-thority (PCA), is responsible for pesticidesthat enter the island including a registrationprocess which takes into consideration thehuman and environmental health risks.

However, as Jamaica imports up to 90per cent of its pesticides --raw material andfinished products, the PCA along with theDepartment of Customs must continue to bevery vigilant to keep out unsafe products.

The PCA along with the Rural Agricul-tural Development Authority (RADA) andagrochemical companies should undertakean aggressive programme to educate farm-ers and producers on the safe use of pesti-cides.

byPATRICK MAITLAND

Publisher -The Agriculturalist [email protected]

The opinions expressed in this newspaper, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Agriculturalist and its publishers. Please send your comments or suggestionsto [email protected]. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all articles will be published.

Focal Point

Pesticides education for farmers and consumers!

OPINIONS

China’s evolving role in global agricultural tradeEditorial comment by

agritrade.cta.int

With import demand exceeding theChinese tariff-rate quota (TRQ) es-

tablished for sugar imports, there wouldappear to be scope for China extendingtrade preferences for sugar imports to ACPcountries. EU corporate actors with major produc-

tion interests in Southern Africa alreadyhave established partnership arrangementswith Chinese sugar companies, potentiallyproviding a ready route to market for ex-ports under any preferential trade arrange-ments with China. This could even bringbenefits to Fiji, for which transport links tothe Chinese market are potentially less ex-pensive than those to traditional Europeanmarkets. It could even bring benefits to Ja-maica, where Chinese companies are nowsolidly established in the sugar sector.

There would also appear to be scopefor expanding duty-free, quota-free accessfor ACP cotton exports (see Agritrade arti-cle ‘Priority areas for cotton lobbyingidentified’, 29 July 2013). While Chinesedemand for cotton is projected to declineconsiderably over time, if ACP supplierscan establish themselves as an integral partof the supply equation on the back of tar-iff preferences, they may be able to main-tain their place in the Chinese market asChinese demand shrinks, given the rela-tively low export volumes involved.

Expanding feed demand could poten-tially open up new opportunities for coarsegrain and oil crop exports. Indeed, givenrising per capita income, opportunitiescould even arise for ACP beef producers.

However, a number of key issues needto be borne in mind. The first of these isthe centrality of securing sanitary and phy-tosanitary (SPS) approval from the Chi-nese authorities before food andagricultural exports can commence.

ACP countries have varied experiencein this regard, with considerable potentialexisting for a pan-ACP sector-based pro-gramme on the most effective methods forsecuring SPS approvals and most cost-ef-fective mechanisms for ensuring compli-ance with Chinese SPS requirements.

The second issue relates to ensuringthat more remunerative prices can be ob-tained for exports to China. There are nobenefits to be gained from reorienting ex-ports to lower-priced markets. This is aparticular challenge for quality-differenti-ated food and agricultural exports.

Third, there is a need to ensure that theroutes to market bring additional benefitsto ACP producers and that these benefitsare not monopolised by non-ACP compa-nies involved in the trade.

A fourth issue relates to how to ensurethat new trading opportunities with Chinacontribute to the structural transformationof ACP engagement with global supplychains. This is by no means automatic.

South Africa’s rapid expansion of ex-ports to China has simply replicated, in ex-

aggerated form, the primary-commodity-dependent export profile that characterisedSouth Africa’s earlier trade relationshipwith the EU and USA.

A key challenge facing ACP countriesis developing strategies to move beyondthis commodity trap. Here, again, therewould appear to be scope for sharing ACPexperiences.

Publisher & Editor: Patrick Maitland

Advertising Executive:Tricia Reece

Consulting Editors: Vincent Wright, Jairzenho Bailey

Produced & Published by:Agri Life Foundation Ltd

AMC Complex,188 Spanish Town Road,Kingston 11, Jamaica, W.I.Tel: (876) 923-7471• 923-7428

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TROPICAL

FARMERS’ALMANAC

(2014)

4 • THE AGRICULTURALIST • SEPTEMBER 2013 WWW.THEAGRICULTURALIST.COMNEWSContinu----page 1

Pesticide op-position group calls for government to ban bee-killing pesticidesThe Jamaica Agricultural Soci-

ety (JAS), is commendingFood For The Poor (FFP) for mak-ing an ongoing significant contri-bution to stimulating localagricultural production.

PROVIDES PLANTING MATERIAL & LIVESTOCK

Otis Sherman, Parish Manager, JASSt. Elizabeth, who issued the wordsof commendation, explained thatFFP has been helping to boost thefarming infrastructure, providingplanting material and livestock andgenerating employment for farm-ers. “The farmers have benefited alot from Food For The Poor, espe-cially in terms of farming tools,hand tractors, water boots and veg-etable seeds like sweet pepper, let-tuce, tomato and red peas,” said Mr.Sherman. “

REVOLVING LIVESTOCK PROJECTS

He credits FFP with the provisionof animals for the goat, pig andpoultry revolving schemes in theparish. The JAS groups in CommaPen, Dalton and Newcombe Valleyhave benefited from the goat re-volving project, while those in

Goshen and Montpellier are reapingrewards from the pig revolvingproject. Mr. Sherman explains,“Under these revolving projects, wedistribute the goats from FFP to thefarmers and once they have off-spring, we give them to farmerswho did not benefit from the initialgoat donation.

He reports that 35 goats have sofar been generated in the parishfrom the revolving goat scheme.Under the revolving pig scheme,just over twenty farmers have so farreceived pigs. An exciting compo-nent of the revolving pig scheme inSt. Elizabeth and many otherparishes is the ‘Pig Start In LifeProject’ in which single mothers,

who are unemployed, are providedwith pigs, pig feed and technicalsupport by FFP, in order to make aliving from this livestock.

IRRIGATION SYSTEMSIn this parish, which often suffersfrom drought, FFP has provided theJAS with water pumps for irrigationpurposes. With regard to otherequipment, FFP has donated handtractors, which are shared amongthe members of the JAS in theparish, according to their needs.“FFP has really helped the produc-tion to go up and the farmers reallyappreciate their help a lot. Withoutthem, many farmers would not beable to make a living as they can’t

afford the farming inputs. We ap-preciate their work a lot,” assertsthe St. Elizabeth JAS Parish Man-ager.

THETFORD FARMERS BENEFIT

Another group of farmers who havebenefited from FFP, is the ThetfordSmall Farmers Cooperative in St.Catherine. On an ongoing basis FFPdonates vegetable seeds, farmingtools and seeds. These farmersgrow pumpkin for export, andsweet pepper, pak choy and toma-toes for the domestic market.

Noel Jones, who has been afarmer for over 20 years and is amember of the Thetford SmallFarmers Cooperative, shares his ex-perience.

AGRICULTURAL SUPPORTTO NEEDY FAMILIES

Since the start of this year, over 300needy persons and their families is-landwide have been benefiting fromfour major FFP agricultural projectsnamely: The Pig Start In Life Proj-ect, Inner-city Animal HusbandryProject, Poultry Rearing and the AllIsland Bee Initiative. Selena Ledg-ister-Kellier, Agriculture and Fish-ing Manager, FFP, asserts that the

agricultural projects are in keepingwith FFP’s philosophy of empow-ering the poorest of the poor to gen-erate sustainable income to supporttheir families, while becoming self-reliant. “It is important to ensurethat the youth and young adults canfind suitable alternatives for eco-nomic empowerment, especially ina weakening economy which isbeing impacted by global chal-lenges,” stated Mrs. Ledgister-Kel-lier. “Under our robust agriculturalprogramme, we at FFP are helpingthe poor to get the required skillsand support they need to createtheir own agricultural jobs.”

Continued from page 1Roy C. Murray, Chairman of

the Jamaica Federation of Com-mercial Apiculturists Limited(JFCA), said it has not beenproven that the pesticides arekilling bees but the farmers areconcerned. “These new groups ofpesticides, while very safe forhuman beings, got into honeybeehives at very low dosages. Theyacted very slowly, but are ex-tremely harmful to the bee popu-lation,” he explains.

He estimates that hive pro-ductivity has dropped from 7.5gal per hive in 2005 to a low of5.5 gal per hive in 2012. Murraysays the PCA needs to recognizethe issues and implement strin-gent actions to control the impor-tation of these pesticides.

In defense of the suspectedpesticides, Orville Roache, anagronomist and marketing andproduct development officer atAgro Grace, says that neonicoti-noids have been the most effec-tive and environmentally friendlychemicals on the market and hascontributed to the significant in-creases in world food production.“White flies, fruit flies, bugs and awide range of sucking and cuttinginsects have been controlled as aresult of these low toxicity prod-ucts.

Understanding the nature ofpesticides, we must put in placesafety measures to protect our-selves and the environment,” hesuggests.

He also notes that as Ja-

maica’s leading importer and dis-tributor of agrochemicals includ-ing the neonicotinoids, AgroGrace will be partnering with thePCA and farmers to ensure a bet-ter understanding of these chemi-cals. “Our technical field staff,agents and farmers/customersparticipate in our regular fielddays and seminars. Productknowledge and training are al-ways our top priorities at AgroGrace,” he said.

There is great concern acrossEurope about the collapse of beepopulations. Neonicotinoid chem-icals in pesticides are believed toharm bees and the EuropeanCommission says they should berestricted to crops not attractive tobees and other pollinators.

Tests conducted by the USDepartment of Agriculture from1999 to 2007 reveal stunning lev-els of systemic pesticides in con-ventional produce. They foundthat 70 percent of broccoli and 74percent of fresh lettuce containedImidacloprid residues. Heavy lev-els of Thiamethoxam were foundin strawberries and sweet peppers.Worse yet, the tests found imida-cloprid levels of up to 550 partsper billion in eucalyptus nectarand pollen - three times theamount needed to kill honeybees!

Acetamiprid, Clothianidin,Dinotefuran, Thiacloprid and Thi-amethoxam are among those pes-ticides classed as Neonicotinoids.

Jamaica has 2,616 apiarieswhich are owned by 1,924 bee-keepers.

Where are the bees?

JAS commends FFP Farmers Support Programs

Thetford Farmers Cooperative farmers at work

Patrick Mitchell of Manchester


NEWS

Weeks after forty-four-year-old Cyprian Moncrieffe, a

senior lecturer at the College ofAgriculture, Science and Educa-tion (CASE), was found dead at hisflat on September 9 at the college,Passley Gardens, the police is yetto identify any suspect or a motivefor his murder.

The police are seeking the pub-lic’s help in recovering the motorvehicle owned by Moncrieffe. The

vehicle - a lime green Honda CRV-licence plate number 2348FZ hasbeen missing since that date. Any-one seeing the vehicle is beingasked to contact the nearest policestation.

It is with deep regret that theBoard of Management expressescondolence to the bereaved familyof the late Cyprian Moncrieffe onhis untimely death.

In the meantime, chairman ofCASE Board of Management Der-

ick Heaven remembered Mon-crieffe as the consummate profes-sional who never late andextremely meticulous. He encour-ages the college’s students andstaff keep heart and stay strong.“We are however comforted by thelevel of professionalism displayedby the police in this matter, so far,and we hope that the perpetratorswill be speedily brought to jus-tice,” Heaven notes.

By Douglas McIntosh, JIS

The Rural Agricultural Develop-ment Authority (RADA) has

launched a competition among its 13parish offices aimed at enhancingthe agency’s services to farmers is-land-wide, and contributing to in-creased agricultural production.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minis-ter, Roger Clarke officially launchedthe project on Wednesday, Septem-ber 11, at his Hope Gardens officesin St. Andrew.

Some $1 million is up for grabsin the contest, which got underwayin August, and is being held over 12months concluding in July 2014.The objective is to engage staff in ef-forts that will boost and enhanceservice delivery; strengthen parishleadership and team work in areasthat will positively impact staff and,by extension, production and pro-ductivity in the sector.

The RADA offices will be as-sessed in a number of areas. Theseinclude crop production; marketingplans; market-driven production;project and livestock development;formation and strengthening offarmers groups, with emphasis onincorporating women and youth;farmer registration and verification;and agricultural disaster risk man-agement initiatives.

Each parish office is expected towrite and implement at least two vi-able projects capable of generating

income totaling at least $500,000 orstrengthen the capacities of existinginitiatives.

The winning parish will receive$500,000 and the Minister of Agri-culture and Fisheries trophy, while

the second place parish will land the$250,000 runner-up prize. A prize of$250,000 will also be awarded to theparish deemed to have topped allcompetition categories.

“Whatever we do to improve

their (RADA) efficiency (and) tochallenge them to reach that higherlevel, is something that is welcomed.This morning’s exercise is just a firststep (in this regard),” the Ministersaid.

Who Murder CASE lecturer?WallenfordDivested toAIC in $4Billion DealJIS News:

The Government-owned Wal-lenford Coffee Company has

been divested to AIC InternationalInvestment Limited (AIIL) in adeal valued at just over $4 billion.

AIIL is a subsidiary of Port-land Holdings Inc., which isowned by local businessman,Michael Lee-Chin.

Managing Director of the De-velopment Bank of Jamaica(DBJ), Milverton Reynolds, out-lined the details of the divestmenton Wednesday (September 18)during a Jamaica House pressbriefing held at the Office of thePrime Minister.

Reynolds informed that Cabi-net approved the sale of Wallen-ford in April, but at the time, therewere still sensitive issues to be dis-cussed before a final agreementcould be reached.

He informed that the deal willsee the cash payment of someUS$16 million to the JamaicanGovernment, with the purchaser tomake a further capital injection ofsome US$23.5 million over a four-year period, for the expansion ofthe company and coffee produc-tion.

AIIL assumed control of theWallenford operations on Septem-ber 11, 2013 and the transaction isexpected to close within the nextsix months.

With the divestment of Wal-lenford, the Government is nowentirely out of any commercial ac-tivity regarding the coffee indus-try. The divestment of the MavisBank Coffee Factory was finalisedin 2011.

Reynolds informed that thefocus now by the Government,through the Ministry of Agricul-ture and Fisheries, will primarilybe on the regulatory side to ensurethat the quality of Jamaica’s BlueMountain brand is protected.

“It also means that the gov-ernment will no longer have theobligation of providing financingfor Wallenford, which, over theyears, has been a significantly un-derperforming asset. So we’re veryhappy that we have finally con-cluded this divestment,” the DBJhead said.

The coffee company had accu-mulated losses of $2.36 millionand net assets of $67.75 million upto February.

Wallenford is Jamaica’s largestcoffee estate and largest processorof green beans originating from theBlue Mountain and high mountainregions.

Cyprian Moncrieffe,44Found dead on Sept 9

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Providing fertilizer recommendations based onsoil, tissue and water analysesSupplying PROVEN quality fertilizer with thelatest technology for farmers Offering the best technology in micronutrientsin our fertilizer blendsOffering additives to enhance Nitrogen andPhosphorus uptake

Visit our booth at DenbighAugust 4 - 6

RADA Launches Competition To Boost Productivity

Seasonclosed for Sea Cucumbers,Sea Urchins and Sharks

The season is now closedfor the harvesting of Sea

Cucumbers, Sea Urchins (seaeggs) and Sharks.

According to the FisheriesDivision of the AgricultureMinistry during the seasonfishing for these species isstrictly prohibited by law.

The closed season for SeaCucumbers ends on September30 and that for Sea Urchins andSharks ends on December 31.


Henry Miller Farm StoreWE HAVE ALL YOUR

FARM SUPPLIES NEEDSAND MORE

• Forks, Machetes, Hoes• Baby Chicken • Livestock Feeds -Pig, Chicken, etc.• Animal Medications• Spray pans•Water pans• Vegetable Seeds • Fertilizers • Pesticides

HENRY MILLER FARM STORE Malvern District, Malvern, St Elizabeth •

Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke presents the Inter-American Institute for Co-op-eration on Agriculture (IICA) Youth in Agriculture Award to Damian Dickens, whileIgnatius Jean IICA’s Jamaica representative looks on at Denbigh 2013.

NEWS

RAPPING WITH THE QUEENS: Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke (8th l); JAS president Norman Grant (11th l); National Farm Queen Nordia Lewin (13th l) and the parishfarm queens at Denbigh Show 2013.

Flagaman farmers plea forhelp to fight praedial larcenyFarmers in Flagaman, South St. Elizabeth, are appealing for assistance to deal

with the growing problem of praedial larceny in the area. They are asking the Ja-maica Agricultural Society (JAS) and Roger Clarke, Minister of Agriculture, to takemeasures to stem the financial bleeding they have been experiencing as a result oftheft. The farmers complain that they have lost thousands of dollars’ worth of pro-duce.

Their call for ministerial intervention follows a recent meeting held by the JASand Mr. Clarke in another section of St. Elizabeth. There the farmers were sufferingfrom the theft of irrigation hoses.

The farmers of Flagaman said they were promised a special meeting for theircommunity to deal with their praedial larceny issue, but this has not yet materialised.


PESTICIDES – STORE WISE, SAVE LIVESPESTICIDES AWARENESS FEATURE

‘Pesticides – Store Wise, Save Lives’ By In September each year, the coun-

tries and territories of the Caribbeancommemorate Pesticides Awareness Week.The Caribbean-wide effort is harmonisedby the Coordinating Group of PesticideControl Boards of the Caribbean (CGPC)which is an association of the pesticide reg-ulatory agencies in the region.

Pesticides Awareness Week will beSeptember 22-26, 2013.The week of activities provides an oppor-tunity for the public to be reminded thatpesticides should not be taken for grantedas they are potentially harmful to humanhealth and the environment.

The theme selected by the CGPC forthe week is “Pesticides – Store Wise, SaveLives”. This is an important message be-cause every year several children are acci-dentally poisoned when they find andingest improperly stored pesticides. Hospi-talisation is often required and there haveeven been a few deaths over the years.In Jamaica, the week’s activities will in-clude:•Sunday September 22:Church Service•Wednesday September 25:National Agriculture Quiz Competition,Dinthill Technical

• Thursday September 26-community meeting in Mahfoota, St. James• Friday September 27 -Outside broadcast in Lucea, Hanover

The Jamaica Information Service (JIS)will also be presenting the popular “Mine-U-Cide” series on all local radio and tele-vision stations in time allowed forGovernment broadcasts.

By Michael RamsayRegistrar, Pesticides Control Authority

Ministry of Health

In Jamaica, the Pesticide Control Au-thority (PCA) is the governing bodymandated through the Pesticides Act of1975 to carry out the regulation and con-trol of pesticides in Jamaica.

The PCA is a statutory body which re-ports to a board comprising experts fromthe field of plant protection, food storage,pesticide chemistry, public health, foodchemistry and the pest control industry.

The Ministry of Health has portfolioresponsibility for the PCA.

The functions as outlined in the Pesti-cides Act are to:• Register pesticides.• License persons to import or manufac-ture registered pesticides.• Authorise persons to sell restricted pes-ticides.• Register premises in which a restrictedpesticide may be sold.• License pest control operators.

Consider and determine applicationsmade pursuant to this act and to deal withall aspects of the importation, manufac-

ture packaging, preparation for sale, dis-posal and use of pesticides and to advisethe minister on all matters in relationthereto.

Do such other things as may be expe-dient/necessary for proper performance ofits functions under this act.

Pesticides impact on several sectors ofthe economy. Pesticides have been ac-cepted as an integral part of agriculturalproduction in an effort to increase pro-duction, productivity and the appearanceof agricultural produce.

The selection of pesticides throughregistration is critical to reduce the levelof toxicity of the residues on the foods en-tering trade.

The PCA has initiated programmes tomanage pesticide use to avoid high levelsof pesticides residue that can act as a non-tariff barrier to international trade, con-sidering that any loss of market share isexpected to result in loss of employmentin rural areas.

About the PesticideControl Authority



Pesticides remain a significant threat toJamaicans, especially our children,

being the 3rd causative agent for accidentalpoisonings. This year’s theme “pesticides –store wise, save lives” is therefore apt andsupports the education activities of the Min-istry of Health aimed at reducing the levelsof accidental poisoning and keeping ourchildren, workers and householders safe.

It is estimated that pesticides accountfor more than 250,000 deaths worldwide.Data from the National Surveillance Unit ofthe Ministry of Health, showed that in 2011there were 566 confirmed cases of acciden-tal poisoning reported in public health in-stitutions (all causative agents); Eighty-twopercent (82%) or 463 of these cases oc-

curred in children under 5 years old, with67% (382) being in children 2 years andunder. Pesticides poisoning is estimated tocomprise around 15 per cent of accidentalpoisonings annually.

Improper storage of pesticides has beenidentified as one of the ways that they canbe accidentally consumed especially bychildren as well as failure to properly fol-low labeling instructions. It is essentialtherefore that labeling instructions arestrictly adhered to in terms of use. Parentsand guardians need to follow the instruc-tions carefully especially in regards toproper storage.

This week is an opportunity for us tohighlight the challenges and provide addi-tional education to persons with respect tothe proper handling and storage of pesti-cides. I urge parents and adults generally tobe vigilant in how they store and use theseagents.

My congratulations to the PesticidesControl Authority on another year of thisvery significant observance and urge you tocontinue your vigilance to ensure that theapproved pesticides are being used cor-rectly to safeguard the health of our citi-zens. All the best for a successful week ofactivities.

Reducing the levels of accidental poisoning

ACHIEVERS

By Dr. Fenton FergusonMinister ofHealth

Mr. & Mrs. Emmet Bolandof Northeast Farm Sup-plies, Ocho Rios, St. Annhold the PCA’s “MostCompliant” farm store inthe western region.

Codrick Farquharson,CEO, Jodan Distribu-tors Ltd, Old Harbour, St. Catherine– displaysthe “Most Compliant”Farm Store plaque inthe eastern region.


‘

The Jamaica Agricultural Chemicals As-sociation (JACA) appeals to the general

public, especially pesticide users to adhere tothe guidelines of the pesticide manufacturers.These guidelines are important to protectpublic health and the environment.

Pesticide users are especially encouragedto read the pesticide labels carefully prior tousing the products. The label contains perti-nent usage, storage, safety and other impor-tant information that users need to understandbefore they use a pesticide product.

By their nature, pesticides pose a risk tohumans, animals and the environment and itis for this reason why pesticide packages arespecially designed with added protection forthe users as well as to safeguard the integrityof the product.

Pesticides must therefore be purchased intheir original containers with the label andstored in a safe place, away from children,food and unauthorized persons.

Effectiveness and safety results are guar-anteed when manufacturers' guidelines areobserved. Pesticide misuse can be fatal or re-sult in crop and/or environmental damages.JACA joins the PCA in encouraging all pes-ticide users to “store wise and save lives.”


JODAN DISTRIBUTORS

• Farm Tools• Baby Chicks• Heating Lamps• Pig feeds• Chicken feeds• Spray pans• Water pans• Carrot seeds• Seeds • Fertilizers • Pesticides-Fungicides-Insecticides

‘Satisfying the farmers’ Needs’

Jodan Distributors Ltd 52 East Street, Old Harbour, St. Catherine

983-0616 • 745-3024

Jerome Swaby, manager of HenryMiller Farmstore, Malvern, St. Eliza-beth, displays certificate and plaquefrom the Pesticides Control Authority(PCA) including–the award for the“Most Compliant” Farm Store inSouthern region.

By Sherika Whitelocke-BallingsinghPoison Information Coordinator

Caribbean Poison Information NetworkSchool of Pharmacy

University of Technology, Jamaica___________________________________“I am so thirsty,” said Johnny rushing infrom school after having a very active day,only to see a soda bottle on the table. Hethought right away that drinking this wouldquench his thirst.

So five year old Johnny just grabbedthe bottle and started to gulp down the liq-uid, only to feel this obnoxious, burningtaste.

He dropped the bottle on the ground,holding his throat with his hands andrushed towards his father who was outsidespraying the garden. Can you imaginewhat happened next...?

This is a scenario to show the danger-ous effect of householders’ malpractices ofpesticide storage at home and especiallynot keeping them in their original manu-facturer’s containers.

Improper storage of household pesti-cides such as rat baits, slug bait and insec-ticides, both for the home and the garden,is dangerous as it can result in accidentalpoisoning.

Safe storage results in less accidentalpoisonings“There were 567 confirmed cases of ac-

cidental poisoning reported to the NationalSurveillance Unit of the Ministry of Healthin 2012; Eighty-three percent (472) ofcases occurred in children under 5 yearsold with 66% (376) being in children 2years and under. Pesticides were the re-sponsible agent in 17% (94). Some 105 or19% of the accidental poisoning cases oc-curred during the summer period whenchildren are on their break from school. ”(Source: National Surveillance Unit HealthPromotion and Protection Division, Min-istry of Health, Jamaica)

The statistics given reflects the crisisour most susceptible population, our chil-dren, are prone to as victims of accidentalpoisonings. This is because of negligentpractices in the home; such as storing pes-ticides in food containers, leaving them ac-cessible in places like on the table, in thekitchen, on the floor, beside foods andjuices, and in your kitchen cupboard that isunlocked.

Accidental poisoning in the home canbe prevented if householders store pesti-cides in a safe place out of the reach ofchildren, separate from food and water andNOT in food or drink containers.

For further information and assistancewith accidental poisoning call toll free 1-888-764-7667 (The Caribbean Poison In-formation Network, CARPIN).

Safe storage of householdand garden pesticide around the home

Adhere to the guidelines!

Graham DunkleyPresident, Jamaica Agricultural Chemicals Association (JACA)

Jamaica’s #1 Farmers’ Newspaper

The Agriculturalist‘Reaches More Farmers’

Book your advert today...923-7471 [email protected]


Contributed by:Rural Agricultural Development Authority

Improper transportation and storage of pes-ticides may lead into acute and/or chronicexposures, with adverse health conse-quences.

The label and Material Safety DataSHEET (MSDS) will tell you the right wayto transport and store pesticide.

Read and follow directions.Where farmers have to collect pesticides

from retailers, the following principlesshould be applied:• Small pesticide packs (1 kg or 1 Litre)should be packed in a plastic bag and carriedseparately to the farm. • Pesticides must never be loaded with food,feedstuff or other materials destined forhuman or animal use. • Pesticides must not be carried inside thepassenger compartment of cars.• Loads must be secured so they cannot moveabout or fall off during transport.

Since pesticides are poisonous, they mustbe stored with caution and concern for oth-ers, particularly children. Every year childrenare poisoned from drinking and eating pesti-cides that someone did not put away or dis-posed correctly.

Care must be taken to avoid cross-conta-minations of products. Contaminations suchas insecticides or fungicides by herbicides orplant growth regulators may cause seriousdamage to crops.

Pesticides should be stored in their orig-inal containers only. Drums and bags shouldbe stored on pallets.

Dry formulations should be stored on theupper shelves and liquid formulations storedon the lower shelves (liquids can leak if con-tainers are damaged).

The number of containers stacked on topof each other should not exceed the stackingrecommendations for the type of containerconcerned. Over-stacking may lead to rup-ture of containers and reduces access to con-tainers.

Pesticide stores should only contain pes-ticides. All other goods or objects should beremoved. SECURITY. Pesticides must always bestored under lock in key in a secure place, outof reach of unauthorized people, children andanimals.

Continued on page 11


NORTH EAST AGRISUPPLIES LIMITED

‘Farming, Gardening & Animal Care’• Pesticides -Fungicides; Insecticides; Herbicides• Forks, Machetes, Hoes• Chicken (chicks)• Heating Lamps• Animal Feeds • Dog Food• Gardening Supplies • Vegetable Seeds• Flowers Pots • Hose• Spray Pans • Water Pans• Fertilizers (organic and inorganic)

NORTH EAST AGRI SUPPLIES LIMITED130 Main Street, Pineapple Place, Ocho Rios, St. Ann

795-2982 • 882-3340 • 974-2124• [email protected]

WE ALSO DELIVERMr. & Mrs. Emmet Boland of Northeast Farm Supplies, OchoRios, St. Ann hold the PCA’s Top Western Region Farm StoreAward

Courtesy of Food Storage andPrevention of Infestation Division

Apesticide is any natural or synthetic sub-stance used to control pests. Globally

pesticide use has increased significantly overthe last sixty years. Pesticides are routinelyused by farmers to enhance crop production.

Crops may be contaminated with pesti-cide residues if pesticides are not used ac-cording to the manufacturers’ specificationsor if crops are harvested prematurely afterpesticide application.

Pesticide contamination cannot be accu-rately determined by visual observation. Themost appropriate method to determine if acommodity contains pesticide residues abovea certain limit is to carry out analytical testson the commodity. This limit is referred to asthe Maximum Residue Limit (MRL).

The Pesticide Residue and MycotoxinUnit of the Food Storage and Prevention ofInfestation Division (FSPID) conducts labo-ratory tests on a variety of commodities.These tests will detect whether the com-modities contain pesticide residues and de-termine the quantity of pesticide residuespresent.

Once a commodity has pesticide residuelevels below the MRL, the consumer can beassured that his/her exposure is minimal.Whereas the effects of being exposed to alarge quantity of pesticides at one time are

well documented, it is not so with repeatedexposure to small quantities of pesticides.However, depending on the pesticide, somelong-term effects may include harm to chil-dren, and internal damage that could possi-bly cause cancer and neurologic problems.

Exporters of vegetables are particularlyinterested in knowing whether or not thecommodities they export contain pesticideresidues as commodities with residuesgreater than the MRLs stipulated by the im-porting country may be rejected resulting inloss of revenue to exporters.

Tips to limit exposure to pesticideresidues by ingestion• Vary the types of fruits and vegetables youeat. In this way you won’t be eating too muchof one thing.• Eat organic foods (i.e. foods grown withoutsynthetic pesticides being applied). You maybuy organic foods or grow fruits and vegeta-bles yourself.

Check the Pesticide Residues!Transporting and Storing ofAgricultural Chemicals


Why are crop yields lost to in-sects greater than ever before,when pesticide use is at an all timehigh?

Take a look at the citrus green-ing crisis happening in places likeFlorida and California.

Citrus greening is a diseasespread by the psyllid insect. Thisinsect contaminates citrus trees byleaving a trail of bacteria that ulti-mately kills the trees. Florida iscurrently witnessing a 10 percentreduction in produce because ofthis.

Problems like these exist be-cause pesticides are killing benefi-cial insects, like lady beetles, thatwere created to feasts on pests likepsyllids. By killing lady beetles,pesticides destroy a balancedecosystem.

So are pesticides doing moreharm than good?

Pesticides are ravaging the en-vironment. Farmers and re-searchers are now witnessing thedeath of entire bee colonies be-cause of pesticides. Billions of beesare disappearing from their naturalenvironment, as they cannot handlethe poisonous nectar they're polli-nating from contaminated flowers.

Systemic pesticides use on the rise

Some people are completely awareof pesticides' ability to disrupt thethyroid, adrenal and pituitaryglands. These glands control hor-mones in the human body whichguide the development, growth,gender, behavior, and reproductivesystems.

That's why some people washtheir fruit and vegetables beforeeating them. The sad reality is thatpesticides exist not only as residue,but are also pent up and stored in-side plant tissues. In fact, systemicpesticide use is on the rise.

These chemicals, first used in1998, have now spread to most ofthe conventional food supply. Sys-temic pesticides travel from the soiland are absorbed into vegetation,moving through the xylem and ex-tending into the leaves and flowers,where they infect pollen and nectar.

Four classes of pesticides havebecome commonplace and includeimidacloprids, which are applied tovegetables like tomatoes and leafygreens. Thiamethoxam is typicallyused as seed "treatment" for corn,but is now applied to soil for fruitand vegetables. Clothianidin is alsoa seed contaminant, used on

canola, cereals, sugar beets, andpotatoes. Dinotefuran is either ap-plied to soil or sprayed directly onleafy greens, including cucumbercrops.

Stunning pesticide levels in USDA tests

Tests conducted by the US De-partment of Agriculture from 1999to 2007 report stunning levels ofsystemic pesticides in conventionalproduce.

They found that 70 percent ofbroccoli and 74 percent of fresh let-

tuce contained imidaclopridresidues.

Heavy levels of thiamethoxamwere found in strawberries andsweet peppers.

Worse yet, the tests found imi-dacloprid levels of up to 550 partsper billion in eucalyptus nectar andpollen - three times the amountneeded to kill honeybees!

Water droplets that exude froma plant's surface also tested positivefor systemic pesticides; plants arepractically bleeding out chemicals!

The Journal of Economic Ento-mology reports, "When bees con-sume guttation drops, collectedfrom plants grown from neonicoti-noid-coated seeds, they encounterdeath within a few minutes."

Additionally, systemic ni-troguanidine pesticides can last upto 500 days or more in soil, affect-ing the ecosystem for up to twoseasons, poisoning water, soil,worms, beetles, and bees which allplay an important role in a thrivingenvironment.


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Continued from page 10Where a small quantities of

pesticides are involved, the storemay only be a locked cupboard orbox placed out of reach of childrenor animals, but it MUST NOT besituated in food storage area, ornear fires, stoves or lamps, andshould not be kept in an occupiedroom.

Where large quantities of pes-ticides are stored, such as on largefarms and co-operatives, the pesti-cide store should be a separatebuilding or section of a buildingwhich can be securely locked.

‘FIRST-IN, FIRST-OUT’ USEOF STOCKS. As a general rulethe oldest stock of any productmust be used up first. Keeprecords. The following characteris-tics of products should be taken ascause for doubt, and for seekingexpert opinion before use:•Marked changes in colour andconsistency•Separation of the liquid into dis-tinct layers which cannot be re-mixed by shaking

•Formation of crystals which willnot dissolve with shaking orrolling.•Apparent contamination by an-other pesticide• Regular inspection of stocks. Allstocks must be inspected andpoints to watch out for include:•Strong odour- often indicative ofleakage or product decomposition•Metal drums – rusting and leak-ing seams or dents•Plastic drums and bottles – defor-mation and leakage•Carton boxes, and paper or plas-tic sacks- dampness and discol-oration, holes and signs of leakage•Glass bottles – cracks or breakage •Missing lids or labels•No re-packing should be done onthe farm (except in emergency) be-cause of the dangers associatedwith unsuitable packaging materi-als and inadequate labelling•Pesticides must never be put intodrinks bottles or food containers !

Transporting and Storing of Agricultural Chemicals

Pesticides use spike around the worldNaturalNews:

Over the last 30 years, the use of pesticides has spiked around theworld. People now pour 2.5 million tons of these chemicals into the

environment annually, contributing to a $35 billion industry run by globalcorporations. To make matters worse, the more people use pesticides, themore ineffective they become.


Material requiredPTO driven pump or any suitable waterpump electric of fuelOld walking scale or homemade crate NozzlesPlastic drip collectorPVC pipe and fittingsHand tools*Note once materials are on spot it willtake 120 minutes to assembly the unit.

Why this portable sprayer• It provides 100% coverage of animal• Seven spray jets positioned to provide op-timum penetration and coverage for fly andlice control.• Less contact with spraying solution• Less labor intensive.• Spraying animals individually eliminates(hiders)• Compatible with all spray chemicals.• Animals are secure in mist chamber.• Minimal labour required.• Reduce chemical wastage. Due to recy-cled spray solution. • Unit is equipped with a return line thatwill help to regulate the working pressureand provides a constant mix of the solu-tion.• Exit ramp allows for drip collectionwhich is recycled.• Unit can be PTO operated or by using any2 hp water pump• No chance of cross contamination ofchemical since the unit is used only forsmall stock

Preparation and use of PortasprayAnimals should be rested for two hours.Animals should never be sprayed whenthey are hot, tired, thirsty or suffering fromwounds and open sores neither should theybe sprayed on a full stomach as this willcause soiling of crate. Spraying should takeplace on a cool dry day preferable in themorning.

Always fill your tank first then addconcentrate never the other way around.Correct calibration of the tank is very im-portant. when using spray concentrate donot use in an enclosed space, avoid inhal-ing fumes, wear synthetic rubber gloves,water proof trousers, coats, spray apron,face shield and a respirator. Always havefresh water readily available to wash acci-dental splashes of the spray concentratefrom the skin and form the protectiveclothing, an emergency kit with eye washshould always be available.

Do not smoke drink or eat without firstwithdrawing from the work area removeprotective clothing wash hands face andexposed skin.

Trail Base on an on farm trial at the HounslowDemonstration and Training Centre,twenty animals were sprayed, ten using theknapsack method and ten using the por-taspray method. The time was recordedand the result suggest that it took an aver-age of 35 second to effectively spay onemature goat using the Portaspray comparewith taken 60 second to effectively sprayone mature goat using knapsack sprayer. Italso took 50 percent less chemical solutionwhen using the Portaspray.

Maintenance• Clean in place, run unit for 3 minutes(idle) using fresh water, clean filter aftereach use.• Wash down the unit after each use / re-move all foreign matter• Ensure nozzles are free • Care should be taken not to allow animalhoof to slide into floor slots that house noz-zles. • Make sure clamps are secure since theunit operates under high pressure.

TECHNOLOGY IN JAMAICASemi Auto Portable small stock sprayer (Porta-spray)

Designed by: Audley FaceyChief Livestock Officer, Livestock Research and Improvement Unit

Research and Development Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

Mankind has always been struggling to find suitable ways of effectively debuggingtheir animals. The idea of a portable small stock sprayer was born out of the fact that

the spraying of small ruminants can be quite labor intensive, time consuming and expen-sive. One of the most used technologies in spraying small stock is the knapsack sprayer,this has proven to be time consuming and labor intensive especially when the heard islarge. During spraying there is no guarantee that a hundred percentage coverage isachieved, due to the fact that most of the time animals are sprayed in groups which causesa ‘bungle.’ When animals are grouped together it prevent easy access to all sides, valu-able spray solution is waste whether by wind drift, missed spray direction, or drips fromother animals.

Designed by: Audley FaceyChief Livestock OfficerLivestock Research and Improvement UnitResearch and Development DivisionMinistry of Agriculture and Fisheries Phone 187-462-516622/7/2013

Complete setup of Porta-spary

Audley FaceyCreator of the Porta-spary

Chief Livestock Officer, MOA

Order your today...TROPICAL

FARMER’S ALMANAC(2014)

CALL: 923-7471


By Derrick Vermont, ChairmanNational Champion Farmer Committee

T. Geddes Grant aspires to increase theparticipation of women in agricultural

production.In addition to its current service to the

agriculture sector, T. Geddes Grant partneredwith the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS)to have a “Female Champion Farmer com-petition” at the annual Denbigh AgriculturalShow.

A trophy and $80,0000 cash will beawarded to the selected farmer. This trophymust be surrendered each year before theShow and replaced with a replica to the re-cipient.

We are pleased to announce that the T.Geddes Grant/Jamaica Agricultural SocietyFemale Champion Farmer 2013 is MariaAzan from Riversdale, St. Catherine.

Mrs. Azan can truly be called a pioneerhaving been at her husband’s side when theycarved out a farm from virgin lands in theRiversdale area.

She will tell you, if you care to hear herstory, how like pioneers farming in theAmerican West, she joined hands and heartin making the wilderness then, into a verybeautiful and efficiently run farm.

This farm occupies 365 acres of landwith a river and two springs supplying water.She has pointed out that one of the springshas dried up but her enthusiasm has not fol-lowed suit.

This farm has both livestock and cropsas the pillars of production.

T. Geddes Grant Sponsors National Female Champion FarmerDENBIGH SHOW 2013 -- PHOTO/STORY

Pat Rose, general manager of Geddes Grant poses with Maria Azan winner of the Geddes Grant/Jamaica Agricultural So-ciety Female Champion Farmer 2013 award at Denbigh Show.

Coconut Industry Board staff:(front row: l-r): Thalia Bernard, Kim-Kamoi Hinds, Nadia Bailey, LeroyMcIntyre, Lydia Tucker and HughMatthews (blue shirt); (back row l-r): Othneil Minott, EastonFraser, Lloyd Thompson, Ralvin Moore& Ralston Ruddock

Youth Training:A student (centre) of the Ebony ParkAcademy talks about potted tomatoeswith his director/principal, Robert M.Green and (l) and Wayne Wesley, execu-tive director, HEART Trust-NationalTraining Agency.

The Queens Meet:National Farm Queen 2012 Amelia Lev-eridge (l) raps with Miss Jamaica World2013, Gina Hargitay.

We publish yourphotos... Send photos

[email protected]


Because of the proliferation of healthproblems, people are constantly looking

for ways to strengthen their immune system.While most resort to finding supplementsand other health products, you can actuallyraise your immunity by simply eating yourvegetables. Following is a list of vegetables you

should eat for an improved immune systemas prepared by Natural News:

1. GarlicGarlic contains allicin, a compound knownfor protecting cells against various com-pounds. It is also a powerful antiseptic, pre-venting diseases ranging from colds tocancers. Last but not least, it's directly linkedto the prevention of age-related diseases.

2. Cruciferous vegetablesThese mostly leafy vegetables have sulfur-containing compounds that are convertedinto isothiocyanates (ITCs). These ITCs im-prove immune response and are also linkedto cancer prevention. Examples of crucifer-ous vegetables include cabbage, broccoli,and radish.

3. OnionsThis popular vegetable is rich withquercetin, a powerful antioxidant. It alsocontains anthocyanins, another powerful an-

tioxidant. Onions are also known to reducehypertension and are an adequate treatmentfor allergies.

4. TomatoesThis popular fruit is nature's best source oflycopene. One of the most powerful antiox-idants in nature, it is exceptionally effectivein preventing cancers, particularly of theprostate. It is also rich in both beta caroteneand dietary fiber.

5. MushroomsSeveral of these fungi are directly linked toreducing the risk of cancers, particularlybreast cancer. It is able to do so, because itenhances the function of T cells, a part of the

immune system that attacks infections ortumor cells. While there are lots of deliciousspecies, there are also plenty of poisonousones; you have to make sure if the mush-room you're looking at is edible or not. Somehealthy choices: morel mushrooms, blackchanterelle mushrooms, cauliflower mush-rooms, reishi mushrooms and maitakemushrooms.

6. BeetsThese are exceptionally good for purifyingthe blood. They are rich in iron, whichboosts the functionality of oxygen-carryingred blood cells. Beets also enhance the func-tion of immunity-focused white blood cells.Last but not least, they facilitate detoxifica-tion.

7. SpinachSpinach improves immune function in twodifferent ways. It is rich in beta carotene, aprecursor of vitamin A, which increases thepower of the immune system. It also con-tains zinc, a vital mineral that improves im-munity.

8. ArtichokesThis vegetable contains cynarin, a powerfuldetoxifier. Not only does it help with livercleansing, but it also boosts overall body re-sponse with its high B vitamin content.

9. AsparagusThis vegetable has exceptional diureticproperties, which encourages the flushingout of toxins. Not only does it cleanse ourbody's insides, but it is also effective incountering inflammatory responses.

10. Bell peppersThese vegetables, especially the red ones,are full of vitamin C. Not only do they con-tain a high amount of vitamin C, but theyalso contain beta carotene that improves im-mune system function. Some people say thatthe key to having a strong and sturdy body isto eat vegetables. By eating these immunity-boosting foods, your body will becomesturdy indeed.

NutriCareBy

Gloria Bent, MS, RD, CDNNutritionist

Questions &[email protected]

Vegetables that boostyour immune system


Agri Life Foundation has been established as a non-profit organization to foster and encourage farmers to become

more self-sufficient and competitive in a free market economy. One of the main ways that the Foundation will achieve these goals

is through collaboration, professional support and advisoryfrom experts in the field. Such collaboration will provide

a platform where individuals from academia, business, government, and the farming community

can share research-based information and technology regarding environmentally sound management and profitable agricultural production practices.

For further information:Patrick Maitland

Executive ChairmanAgri Life Foundation

188 Spanish Town Road,Kingston 11, Jamaica WITel: 923-7471; 923-7428 • [email protected] www.agrilifefoundation.org


Newport Mills LimitedMyers Wharf, Newport EastKingston 15, Jamaica, W.I.

T: +1 876.922.2606 • F: +1 876.922.2599 [email protected]

Newport Mills Limited is the manufacturer of NUTRAMIX® feeds.We are one of the largest animal feed manufacturers in Jamaica and the Caribbean

.We supply the NUTRAMIX® brand of poultry, pig, goat, dairy, horse and other feeds

relevant to the animal’s life stage in the form of meal, crumbles or pellets

Chose with the peace of mind that qualitystandards of ISO 9001, HACCP and GMP certified give.

NUTRITION WITHOUT COMPROMISE

the agriculturalist newspaper - september 2013

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