THE NATION'S food sector has been put in a position to capitalise on the opportunities presented by Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 and beyond. This is the word from Norman Grant, president of the country's largest farmer-based organisation, the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS).

Senator Grant noted that visiting cricket enthusiasts will be coming to partake of our famous local produce and they will not be disappointed. "Once the visitors come and taste our cuisine and the range of products we have locally, we believe this will be the genesis of a widening of Jamaica's produce base," he said.

Line credit

One of the main initiatives is a $600 million line of credit through the National Insurance Fund (NIF) and BNS which small farmers can access at single digit interest rates, Senator Grant said.

Acutely aware of the opportunities that CWC 2007 will bring, the JAS is currently on and islandwide sensitisation programme to raise awareness among farmers of the need to increase food production. This programme, which started almost eight months ago, will continue in the coming months.

In another initiative, working with the Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies, JAS and RADA put small farmers into formal groups which will grow specific crops.

Adequate supplies

In speaking of the various food items, Senator Grant noted that the farmers would be able to provide adequate supplies of pork, poultry, eggs, fruit and vegetables. There should also be adequate supplies of sorrel, tomatoes, fresh water fish and yams and other tubers.

He noted, however, that there might not be enough beef to satisfy the demand. Senator Grant observed that this should push the industry to create a framework to grow the beef subsector. CWC 2007 has forced many of our policymakers to think long term, he concluded. Additional goat meat will have to be imported, he stated.

The improved production and farming methods that are being given by CWC will thus reduce our reliance on imported produce in the term, he added. The country will also benefit from lower prices, increased employment and an improved balance of trade.