CLARKS TOWN, Trelawny — MEMBER of Parliament for South Trelawny Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert has urged young people in the parish to become members of production marketing organisations (PMO), in an effort to access a wide range of benefits offered through the Ministry of Agriculture.

“Young farmers in Trelawny must take the opportunity to register in production marketing organisations in order to get help when the needs arise,” Dalrymple-Philibert said.

She argued that through the PMO, all small farmers can apply for funding to undertake agricultural projects, including the setting up of green houses and farm equipment.

“This is not the time when young people should worry about getting their hands dirty,” she said.

The South Trelawny MP also pledged her commitment in assisting farmers who are not yet members of a PMO.

Dalrymple-Philibert was speaking at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) farmers’ appreciation function at the Hyde Community Centre in Clark’s Town last week.

More than 100 small farmers who are members of PMOs in Trelawny were feted by RADA, in collaboration with Dalrymple-Philibert and the Trelawny-based Everglades Farms Limited.

Farmers participated in a wide range of recreational activities, including board games, while children from the Clark’s Town community were also entertained.

Alps PMO was awarded the Everglades Farms Trophy for being named the top PMO in Trelawny for the year 2010.

Stewart Town was the firstplaced runner-up while Jackson Town was placed third.

President of the Alps PMO, Rohan Campbell attributed the victory to months of hard work and commitment to the agricultural sector by his members whom he said are undaunted by the various challenges facing the sector.