THE LIFTING of the ban on Jamaican yam to the American market is a welcome shot in the arm for agriculture. With trade estimated at US$11 million per year yams are the foremost non-traditional export performer.
The fact that the trade was threatened by the use of anti-fungus or anti-bacteria preparations not acceptable to the US market demonstrates a very important principle: It is not sufficient to establish the potential demand for a product in any particular market, but to understand clearly the regulations that apply in that market.
As far as the USA is concerned such information is easy to come by. The US Department of Agriculture and other relevant regulatory agencies regularly report any such restriction in force and if certain chemicals or chemical preparations are either banned for some applications or limited by degree of residue they leave then we ought to have known about this beforehand and not be caught unawares. We feel sure that in these days of worldwide Internet connection such information is available literally at the click of a mouse and we ought to make use of the technology.
At another level the access of and reporting on such situations should be routine to our representatives posted abroad. Diplomatic representation does not alone consist of showing the flag on ceremonial occasions but of providing feedback on issues important to the country.
Now that the yam trade is restored it is appropriate that we begin to look to ways in which the product may be marketed. The SRC and other agencies involved in food processing should be asked to assist in this regard. And those involved in the growing of yams ought to study what is the most attractive physical presentation of the product.
The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner.
