MINISTER of Agriculture and Fisheries Pearnel Charles Jr has announced a programme of assistance totalling $22.75 million to develop the agriculture programme at Vere Technical High School.

He was speaking at a World Food Day event on the school’s compound in Clarendon on October 20.

Charles Jr said that the multi-agency initiative inaugurates the ministry’s thrust to advance support for agriculture in schools across the country.

At Vere Technical, the assistance will allow for the establishment of a dairy unit through the Jamaica Dairy Development Board with the donation of 20 heifers, pasture development and the construction of a milk parlour, valued at $20 million.

Additionally, through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), 200 broiler chicks and 20 bags of feed will be provided for the school at a value of $200,000.

The school’s garden will also be renovated with the provision of 200 vegetable seedlings for container gardening projects and 1,200 vegetable seedlings for the hydroponics house and greenhouse, valued at $50,000.

The programme of assistance includes the planting of 50 fruit trees and the implementation of a comprehensive nutrient management programme valued at $1 million, and contribution of a walk-behind tractor for the school farm from the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, valued at $500,000.

“The National Irrigation Commission will also be collaborating with the Water Resources Authority to provide water for the institution’s agricultural endeavours, which will also support the establishment of a fish pond with the capacity for 1,500 fish, valued at $1 million. This will provide a more cost-efficient source of protein for the school,” the minister said.

He said that the ministry will be examining ways to expand the school’s goat herd, and the National Fisheries Authority will be providing technical assistance for the renovation of the school’s fish pond and ongoing support using best aquaculture practice. The entity will also be stocking the pond with fry (young fish).

In announcing the initiative, Charles Jr hailed the achievements of Vere Technical in distinguishing itself as the lead agricultural school in Clarendon.

In 2017, the institution was awarded for Best Use of Green Technology at the National Science Fair and for second place in the Jamaica 4-H Clubs’ Technology in Agriculture Competition.

The school also excelled at the Jamaica 4-H Clubs’ National Achievement Day in 2018, placing first in agro-processing.

Acting Principal O’Neil Lewin expressed gratitude for the major development programme, pointing out that it will enable the school to continue serving its community with agriculture produce. He also mentioned the possibility of the school hosting a farmers’ market to benefit the community.

In the meantime, Charles’ Jr said that the ministry’s ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart’ campaign will be taken across the island, in all primary and secondary schools.

“We are also going to apply $15 million to help push the programme… across the length and breadth of Jamaica. We’re going to be providing vegetable gardening packages such as seeds, small tools, baby chicks, feed and animals, so that schools can start their units and get the students and teachers involved in learning the best practices at an early age.

“We will also be helping and giving support to install aquaponics and hydroponics systems across Jamaica, for us to have integrated vegetable and fish farming,” the minister outlined.