KINGSTON, Jamaica — Leader of the Opposition, Dr Peter Phillips has called for more government assistance in order to bring local farming methods into the 21st century.

According to a People’s National Party (PNP) statement, Phillips, who was speaking at the 65th staging of Denbigh Agricultural Show, said the country must do more to support the faithful farmers “who have guaranteed our food security for many years”.

 “Too many of our farms are using technology not of the 21st century, not even of the 20th century, but technology found in the 19th, which relied on rain with no adequate irrigation systems; and without advanced mechanical devices to plough the land. Our farmers have to be supported to do better,” he said.

Phillips argued that improving the farmers’ lot is one of the ways to bridge the gap between those who have too little and those who have too much.

“Too many of our farmers still operate without the support of marketing, which is available to other farmers in other countries. I say this, not to blame anyone, but to make the point that as we go forward into the next phase of our independence, we must determine not only to feed ourselves but to feed ourselves by supporting a modern farming community.

“This is the only way forward, to build a Jamaica that works for all the people because, for too many years, we accepted a Jamaica that works for too few, while leaving too many on the margins of existence,” Phillips said.  

He suggested that government must find a replacement for the Rural Economic Development Initiative, (REDI), to continue the development of micro and small-scale farming enterprises.

The project, which began in January 2010, aimed to improve market access for micro and small-scale rural agricultural producers, and tourism projects.

Dr Phillips said, he is disappointed that REDI has ended and there is no official word from the government about a replacement.