Argentina and Jamaica exploring collaboration on agriculture

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon. Karl Samuda, has signalled his commitment to explore the possibilities of pursuing cooperation with the Government of Argentina in several areas of agriculture and, in particular, assistance with the redevelopment of the livestock industry.
The Minister exchanged ideas on the matter with Argentinian Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Ariel Fernandez, during a courtesy call at his Ministry’s Hope Gardens Offices on Wednesday, December 8, 2017.
Mr Samuda noted current upgrading works being implemented at the Bodles Research Station in St Catherine, as part of Government’s drive to redevelop the livestock and, in particular, the cattle industry.
In addition to livestock, the minister and the ambassador also exchanged thoughts and ideas on a number of other agriculture-related issues, including the impact of climate change, irrigation, food safety and security, as well as agricultural insurance.
For his part, Ambassador Fernandez asked that the Agriculture Ministry prepare “an agreed process for cooperation and support” on agriculture between Jamaica and his country. To this end, the Ministry is to have further discussions with the embassy.
As it relates to the Argentina’s trade in meat, especially beef, Ambassador Fernandez informed that Argentina’s export of beef to the European Union had been re-established as a result of the safety measures and international standards undertaken by that country.