APPROXIMATELY 21 children have been engaged in the Budding Farmers Grow camp which serves to introduce them to agricultural practices over a three-week period.

The programme is one that falls under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture. According to Minister of Agriculture Pearnel Charles Jnr, if we are to remove the stigma associated with agriculture, we need to start with the very young.

“Agriculture is critical to Jamaica’s success and the ability to feed the population. The camp sensitises the children to food security, gardening, and farming — including alternative farming techniques and farm-to-table, which encourages that [practise] to eat healthy and grow smart,” Charles said.

“Grow smart, eat smart is something all Jamaicans need to practise. It was my pleasure interacting with the children, and congratulations to all that completed the programme. It’s never too young to start farming,” he added.

Some of the topics that will be covered include aquaponics, hydroponics and building greenhouses.

The camp ends on July 23 and takes place on Chalmers Avenue in Kingston. The camp also has Saturday classes in person or via Zoom. For more information, visit the nstagram page @buddingfarmersja.