Ministry of Agriculture launches Farmer Registration Exercise

Basseterre; St. Kitts - Agricultural producers attending the upcoming National Agricultural Exhibition will have the opportunity to register themselves and their enterprise with the Ministry of Agriculture. This is the start of an exercise being carried out by the Policy and Planning Unit within the Ministry. The main purpose is to provide a system for the regular collection of agricultural data needed for policy Analysis and to develop focused policy interventions for the agricultural sector. Registration will be open to all levels of producers; from home gardeners to large commercial farmers.

Farmers will be categorized according to their primary agricultural activity and size of their enterprise and will be entitled to specific incentives based on their classification. Incentives may include local and overseas training, Tax and Duty concessions, and special rates for irrigation water among others. Registered producers who meet certain set criteria will be eligible to receive an official Registration Card, with Photo ID.  The Card will be a useful tool for farmers presenting themselves to business or lending institutions.

The registration process is simple and will involve completion of a registration form and taking of the producer’s picture. Data collected will include farmer demographics, farm infrastructure, farm products, enterprise and financial information. ~~Adz:Right~~