Minister of Agriculture, Roger Clarke has announced that the warehouse at the Export Complex at the Norman Manley International Airport would be upgraded, to improve efficiency in handling produce passing through that facility.

He was speaking on the work of the Plant Quarantine/Produce Inspection Unit at the Ministry, during his contribution to the 2004/05 Sectoral Debate in Gordon House on May 18.

“It is vital that we ensure that only the highest quality, pest-free produce is imported into, or exported from the country, to prevent exotic plant pests and diseases from entering and becoming established in the island,” Mr. Clarke said.
The Unit has direct responsibility for the operation of the island’s two export complexes located at the Norman Manley and Sangster International airports.

Mr. Clarke described the services provided at the stations as “efficient, continuous and at a high level” and include: produce inspection, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) pre-clearance inspection, fumigation, cold and ambient storage, facilitation of airline cargo, and customs.

The Agriculture Minister noted that all financial commitments to the USDA for the operation of the pre-clearance programme in Jamaica had been met on time and that the centres had met their revenue targets. “Within the constraints on resources, we will continue to improve the equipment and facilities, in order to ensure that the high quality of services to the exporting community is sustained and that the infrastructure is protected from deterioration,” he assured.