The Agriculture Sectoral Committee had its first meeting on 16th July 2008, after two years of being non-operational. Thirty five (35) stakeholders attended the meeting representing, private sector participants, Agricultural Research and Development Organizations, Agricultural Educational Institutions, Government Departments (Line and Central), Statutory Organizations and the Development Partners.
The main issues discussed included the (i) lack of transparency and accountability of the NADP Funding mechanism, (ii) need to review the Agriculture Tax Incentives, (iii) need to have in place a National Policy Framework for Alternative Energy including Biofuels, and (iv) need to put in place a Long Term Development Strategy for the Agriculture Sector.
The Chairman of the Agriculture Sectoral Committee, Mr Ricky Mitio, presented a Paper on behalf of the Committee at the 2008 National Development Forum which highlighted the key challenges, issues and respective recommendations to address these issues.
The second Agriculture Sectoral Committee Meeting for 2008 was held on 20th November and attended by 30 stakeholder representatives from civil society groups, government, private sector and development partners.
Members of the Committee were updated on issues raised both at the first Sectoral Committee Meeting and the 2008 National Development Forum by the responsible mandated Government Departments. The Department of Petroleum and Energy will commence work on formulating the National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels in 2009 and will be consulting closely with the CIMC Agriculture Sectoral Committee. The review of the Agriculture Tax Incentives in 2009 led by Treasury, will give an opportunity for the Agriculture Sector stakeholders through representation from Rural Industries Council and this Committee to ensure that equity issues, and the timeframe within which to realize the benefits are addressed. Finally, an all encompassing Policy that includes improving the enabling environment for the Agriculture Sector to be competitive for private sector investment is required.
Political Will and Strategic Leadership and Direction for the Sector will continue to be major challenges for the development of the Sector.
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Tel: (675) 321 1714 / 320 3728 - Fax: (675) 321 7223
