KINGSTON–As the regional leader in agricultural research for development, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Cardi), at its Jamaica Unit Open Day on February 19, announced the signing of a hallmark agreement with Diageo parent company of Red Stripe, to provide technical assistance to a project to grow 36 acres of cassava for the supply of tubers for processing into sugars and planting material to establish 300 acres of cassava.
Roger Clarke, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, in his feature address at the open day, welcomed the announcement of the agreement signed between Cardi and Red Stripe, Diageo. He indicated that this is an important initiative to move Jamaica forward. He urged Cardi to ensure this important project is a success.
"We must grow cassava efficiently in order to reduce our import bill as we strive to feed ourselves and to move Jamaica forward."
The minister concluded that "a country that can feed itself is truly an independent country."
Dr Arlington Chesney, Cardi's executive director, indicated that "this initiative opens a new and exciting vista for cassava as a serious, large-scale commercial crop for the region. It also heralds a new relationship between targeted and result-driven research and large commercial business in the region".
This programme is the first step in a series of activities for the eventual production of over 2,000 acres of cassava for use by Red Stripe, Diageo. The cassava will be utilised to produce cassava sugar which is intended to replace imported high maltose barley syrup presently used in the production of Red Stripe beer.
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