KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Franklin Witter, is appealing to farmers to report incidents of praedial larceny.

He noted that too often theft goes unreported “and this silence only strengthens criminals”.

“I also encourage everyone to associate with farmer groups; you must be each other’s keepers and supporters,” Witter urged.

The state minister was addressing the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Praedial Larceny Sensitisation Session at Linstead Anglican Church in St Catherine on Thursday (February 26), where he highlighted a surge in arrests and convictions for agricultural theft.

He reported that arrests rose from 78 in 2023 to 381 in 2025, with convictions surging from nine to 209, a more than 2,000 per cent increase.

Year-to-date figures show a total of 115 cases of agricultural crimes, with 34 committed in Area 5, which includes St Catherine and St Thomas. The value of stolen produce is estimated at $14.5 million.

Enforcement efforts have led to 102 persons being arrested, with 36 convicted so far, while recovery of stolen goods has been estimated at $1.18 million.

Witter credited the results to the five-pronged approach being undertaken by the ministry, which involves traceability, enforcement and compliance, public education, institutional arrangements, and legislative reforms.

He noted that the ministry has improved animal traceability, with several systems in place, from receipt books to cattle tagging and the Agricultural Business Information System.

These measures not only make stolen goods harder to sell but also strengthen prosecutorial compliance outcomes, Witter said.

He credited St Catherine as the most compliant parish when it comes to purchasing and using receipt books.

Farmers in the parish have collectively purchased 591 receipt books between April 2025 and January 2026.

As it relates to institutional strengthening, the creation of the Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) signaled a major commitment to tackling praedial larceny, ensuring that it is seen as a threat to national food security.

The institution of the APB has also enhanced enforcement as cases receive dedicated attention, with resources focused not only on thieves but also on buyers of stolen produce.

“We are also investing heavily in public education, holding sensitisation sessions such as this one in hotspot areas to inform farmers and promote registration and traceability, among other things,” Witter said.

As it relates to legislative measures, Witter cited the Agricultural Produce (Amendment) Act, 2023 which provides for increased fines of up to $3 million and up to three years in prison.

The Government also broadened the definition of agricultural produce, mandated dealer registration and expanded access to receipt books.

In addition, the Praedial Larceny (Prevention) Act and related laws were strengthened, allowing for victim impact statements, giving farmers a voice in court.

— JIS