NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (MAY 01, 2014) — Minister of Agriculture in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Hon. Alexis Jeffers officially declared the second annual Agriculture Awareness Month open in a televised address on May 01, 2014, which will be celebrated under the theme “On the Road to Food Security”.

 

 

In his address, Mr. Jeffers outlined the purpose of celebrating Agriculture Awareness month and its significance to the community.

 

 

“Through Agriculture Awareness Month, we are seeking to bring added awareness to the importance of Agriculture to the development of the island, as well as to place the spotlight on the industry in terms of the numerous strides we have made over the past years.

 

 

“Agriculture Awareness Month also provides the opportunity for the Department of Agriculture to continue to showcase the numerous high quality local products that are available to consumers and for us to continue to place emphasis on the need to eat more of what we grow and grow more of what we eat,” he said.

 

 

Mr. Jeffers stated that the month of activities would were designed to strengthen the bonds with its partners in the development of agriculture on the island.

 

 

“The month of activities also seeks to strengthen the relationship among the stakeholders of the industry, which include crop and livestock farmers, fisher folk, allied agencies as well as members of the general public through more meaningful dialogue,” he said.

 

 

“We believe that the strides that we continue to make in the development of Agriculture, are reflective of the Department’s push for food security and that is why we will maintain that theme “On the Road to Food Security” for all of our other activities throughout 2014,” he said.

 

 

Mr. Jeffers encouraged the public to participate in the Agriculture Awareness Month of activities.

 

 

“I take this opportunity to encourage all of us to support and share in the activities of Agriculture Awareness Month 2014…take advantage of whatever sales are organized and the chance to dialogue with Agriculture officials… Remember, the ultimate goal is to build an industry that will benefit all of us and therefore, your support is of paramount importance,” he said.