KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Agricultural Produce (Amendment) Act, which will facilitate the imposition of harsher penalties for praedial larceny, was passed in the Senate on Friday.

The maximum fine for breaches under the law will now move from $250,000 or three months in prison, to $3million or three years in prison.

In piloting the legislation, Leader of Government Business in the Senate and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said the amendments seek to expand the initiatives of the Government to stamp out the scourge of praedial larceny.

“The aim is to ensure that our farmers are the primary beneficiaries of their hard work. It is a serious problem that has been plaquing the agricultural sector for decades, and we are moving to stiffen the penalties to deter would be praedial larcenists and punish those caught more harshly,” she said.

Senator Johnson Smith saluted the country’s farmers and fisherfolk for pushing through the challenges that exist in their sector and for the display of dedication and resilience.

“We want to say to them that we stand with them and that we will eliminate the ‘two-foot puss’,” she said, noting that over the last 10 years, it is estimated that farmers suffered $6 billion in losses per annum, because of praedial larceny.

The minister also thanked and commended the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Praedial Larceny Prevention Unit, the Jamaica Agricultural Society, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force, for their efforts in providing greater protection for farmers.

Senator Johnson Smith informed that there are more than 250,000 registered farmers and fishers across the island, pointing out that agriculture and fisheries form a key pillar of the nation’s economy.

“In 2022, agriculture contributed 8.3 per cent to Jamaica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Last year, agriculture set new records in production with a historic seven consecutive quarters of growth and a first time ever surpassing 800,000 tonnes,” she stated.

“In fact, the domestic crop record of 846,508 tonnes represented a 9.9 per cent increase in production. We salute our farmers, our stakeholders including the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) in this yeoman’s effort,” the minister added.

Senator Johnson Smith said the achievements in the sector are noteworthy, given the various challenges that are faced including the impact of climate change.

The minister noted that the Government will continue to provide assistance to support the sector and farmers.

In supporting the legislation, Opposition Senator, Dr Floyd Morris said it seeks to protect a significant portion of the population that benefits directly and indirectly from the sector.

Other Senators who contributed to the debate were: Kavan Gayle, Abka Fitz-Henley, Dr Saphire Longmore, Sophia Fraser Binns and Lambert Brown.

The legislation was passed with eight amendments.

– JIS