Extension updates- "All commercial farmers need a Produce Sellers licence"
It was announced that Mr. Franklyn Magloire is acting as Team leader in the West.
Reporting/ Crop Establishment-Officers encouraged to pay closer attention to data collection with a focus on establishment data.
Establishment data should be verified for accuracy.
All outstanding data from regions were asked to be in by April 15, 2016 and agreed by all Extension Team Leaders.
Training in the use of GPS/GIS was suggested to be included in regions Work Programmes – GPS Unit should be given to each region.
Extension officers urged to visit the DOA website at divisionofagriculture.gov.dm.
Recommendation that Produce Sellers licence should be issued to all farmers wishing to benefit from any DOA programme or project (Mr. St. Rose emphasised that this is a good recommendation but must be clearly written and stated as a policy of the MOA following necessary protocol).
Crop Development Initiative:
Horticulture Project
• Inputs went to Post Erika relief
• Need all information ASAP for reporting purposes. A deadline of April 15th was agreed upon for all outstanding establishment data.
Irish Potatoes
• Mr. Raphael Carbon reported that this was the worst experience the DOA has had; severe bacterial disease (as reported by PPQ) has caused complete die back of elite seeds with farmers experiencing more than 90% lost.
Rapid Response Action (RRA):
• Mr. Winston Magloire led the discussion and gave some background on this project along with other Post Erika Relief projects and BAM.
• EU funded- Three (3) main components to include National Agriculture Policy (CARICOM-Mr. Elude Williams); Research and Development (CARDI); Value Chain and SPS (IICA).
• FAO- Agriculture Food System Development Plan-
• FAO- tools and equipment for extension
• R&D (CARDI)- Corn and Bean seeds for distribution
• PROPEL –work in Irish potatoes
• RRA-Climate Change Adaptation plan and Training workshops suggested. Regions are asked to submit written proposal along with projected budget for consideration ASAP.
BAM:
• Tenders are out for work on Feeder Roads
• Value chain analysis (subcontracted by CARDI) on going
• Cost of production training
• Mr. Joseph Blancford reported procurements for the Laplain Training Centre have been received, contracts awarded for the Agricultural stations targeted (Laplain- potting shed, fencing and mixer; Londonderry- T.C weaning and hardening.
• Tools and equipment for extension approved to include Tillers(18hp&10hp) and seeders.
Word Food Day- Climate is changing…food and agriculture are too; poster contest
Grandbay Agriculture Station recognized by Mr. Trotter for their outstanding MET data collection for the last 30 years.
Breadfruit plants:
Officers reminded to submit their list of farmers whom indicated wanting to grow introduced verities. 60 plants to be reserved for DAPEX.
Vegetable seeds(Beans & Corn):
All regions were informed that seeds are available at the citrus unit for all regions to distribute to deserving farmers.
Group Insurance:
Mr. Leslie is looking into group insurance for Extension unit and DOA.
Director Remarks (Mr. Brumant):
• Reported on the Irish potatoes program (ratio of production, etc.)
• Noticed increased in Agriculture production and farmers going back to holdings Post Erika.
• All officers should give due consideration to data collection. All regions should have a farmer register.
• Improvement of Woodfordhill station.
• EADR’s need to be done for all officers
• Vacation leave roosters need to be submitted by all regions
• Work programmes 2016-2017 needed ASAP
• Small committee will be put together to develop an Annual report
• Few officers nominated to travel to China on short training
• Morocco soil fertility mapping project
• Citrus- officers need to see fields and make necessary verifications before issuing purchase forms to farmers
• Duty free on farm vehicles.
• Any foreigner applying for assistance through the DOA should present a valid Work Permit, valid lease for land working on and/or valid Dominica passport.
Notes of Meeting taken and prepared by: Keian Stephenson