Dr. Omer Thomas, new chairman of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority. - contributed

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has mandated the newly appointed board of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to review the location of its offices as one of a varied list of first tasks.

The 15-member board, with chairman Dr. Omer Thomas and executive director Albert Shand, met with Dr. Tufton at the ministry's Hope Road offices in St. Andrew on Wednesday.

Dr. Tufton said that, in his view, some of the RADA offices, due to their locations, are unable to provide proper extension services to farmers.

He said his vision of a RADA office is one that sits on 10 acres of land, offering cultivation demonstrations as part of its services.

"Some (offices), I think, are inappropriate as to where they are," said Dr. Tufton.

The board members also have, among their challenges, to find the next executive director. Mr. Shand retires in July after being at RADA's helm since 1998.

The board will also have to find a replacement for Thomas Burton, deputy executive director, who has retired.

Dr. Tufton has instructed the board members to formalise a plan to launch an official programme to increase the registration of farmers with RADA.

The authority has also been charged to develop a plan to implement a backyard garden programme as part of the Government's initiative to boost self-sufficiency.

"Farming must no longer be considered a welfare activity," Dr. Tufton said.<

RADA board members

Chairman:

Dr. Omer Thomas

Executive Director:

Albert Shand

Alvin Murray

Donovan Chen See

Egbert Miller

Hugh Gentles

Jonathan Lamey

Roger Turner

Andrew Grey

Novel Quest

Annette Henry

Richard Khouri

Stanley Rampair

Dr. Charles Douglas

Bob Vassell