wo representatives from the Inter –American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) are on island, conducting an assessment as part of a previous agreement to assist the ministry of Agriculture improve the genetics of small ruminants.

Dr. Manuel David Sanchez Hermosillo, Representative for Dominican Republic and Ms. Una May Gordon Representative for Eastern Caribbean are currently conducting an assessment to derive ways in which Antigua & Barbuda could develop specific proposals to increase the production of sheep and goats.

Agriculture officials have issued a concerted call for farmers to cut the excessive use of pesticides and switch to the more conventional method of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

The sentiments were echoed on Wednesday, during a farmers’ workshop held at the Fisheries Complex, with specific objectives to sensitize them on the alternative methods to pesticide usage, and its economic value.

In an effort to reduce the level of Pesticide dependency and intensity which has the potential to negatively affect our biodiversity and consumers’ confidence in the quality of food, the Agricultural Extension Services Division will be holding an Integrated Pest Management (IPM), workshop for agricultural producers.

The workshop set for 16th November 2011 at the Fisheries Complex Point Wharf, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., is the first set in a series to offer a holistic solution to Agricultural Producers.

Flanked by officials in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment, families, friends, co –workers and well-wishers, Ms. Genevieve Williams during an appreciation ceremony on the occasion of her retirement after 39 –years in the service, left strong advice for civil servants in her parting words.

Wyland paints life size Mural at Tanteen Childrens' playground in Grenada, West Indies

Cross cutting issues affecting the development and sustainability of the sector will be on the front burner for when another Agriculture Round Table (ART) Policy Forum meets in Roseau, Dominica during the 10th, Caribbean Week of Agriculture, from Oct 9-14.

Policy makers, media professionals, farmers, academics and other stakeholders in food and agriculture are expected to explore various perspectives on the theme, “Food and Nutrition Circles …Connecting the dots.”