Reform agricultural incentives procedures for small farmers

Open letter to Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I write concerning the current administration of incentives under the Fiscal Incentives (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013. The replacement of the traditional 20 per cent duty on farm vehicles with what is reported to be a costly and bureaucratic process through the Ministry of Agriculture and RADA, is of serious concern.

Reports from small farmers indicate that accessing these incentives now costs tens of thousands of Jamaican dollars. This burdensome bureaucracy is stifling agricultural output and undermining the productivity and viability of small rural farmers.

I respectfully propose a return to a simple, transparent process:

1. Qualification: Applicants must be active farmers or enterprises engaged in crop cultivation or in the rearing of animals or fish for human or animal consumption.
2. Verification: A RADA extension officer conducts a site visit to confirm farming activity.
3. Application: Submission of a standard form with supporting documents, such as property tax receipts, lease agreements, title, or other relevant proof, to the appropriate RADA office.
4. Processing: RADA forwards the application to the Incentives Officer at the head office.
5. Approval: The Minister of Agriculture submits approved applicants to the Minister of Finance, with copies sent to the Commissioner of Customs.
6. Issuance: The Ministry of Agriculture issues Certificates of Approval to successful applicants.
7. Use: A copy is provided to the importer for submission with Customs documentation.

This proposal aligns with Part 5 of the Act, which provides relief on inputs used in primary production and supports concessionary importation of farm vehicles and income tax relief for approved farmers. Current administrative costs contradict the Act’s intention to support small-scale producers.

I urge an immediate review and reform of the existing procedures.
Michael Spence