#Jamaica, November 15, 2021 – Minister with responsibility for Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, has praised the owners of the St. Mary-based Crafton Farms on their hi-tech operations which can, he said, can serve as a blueprint for the Ministry’s plans for the ruminant sector.

Speaking during a tour of the facility in Rosend on November 12, Mr. Shaw said the farm, which is owned and operated by Crafton Holdings and specialises in goat rearing and egg production, can spur heightened interest in agriculture.

“It can serve as a platform to show and inspire others to get onto [the] path of technology,” he said.

The Minister said the project, which is spearheaded by Senator Damion Crawford, demonstrates how production outputs can be significantly enhanced with the infusion of technology

“Let us work closely, because this project can serve as inspiration to others who want to join. I feel inspired by what you are doing… for us to get on a new platform for sustainable growth and wealth creation. We need many more projects like this one,” Mr. Shaw said.

Senator Crawford, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Crafton Holdings, indicated that the company has embarked on an expansion programme, and is venturing into fish farming and looking to become a centre which helps to bolster the goat rearing industry.

He said the Rural Agriculture Development Authority (RADA) and Scientific Research Council (SRC) have helped the project tremendously.

Senator Crawford, who noted that the markets for goats are “intensive”, said opportunities abound, and cited one retailer whose monthly demand currently exceeds the combined supplies of the farmers.

“We will have a cluster that offers training, vet services, breeding services, cheaper feed, cheaper medicine, and a guaranteed market,” he said, adding that the entity’s caned mannish water is poised for distribution shortly.

Contact: Garfield L. Angus

Release: JIS

Photo Captions:

Header: Minister with responsibility for Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw (centre), along with Chief Technical Officer in the Ministry, Orville Palmer (left), and Chief Executive Officer of Crafton Holdings, Senator Damion Crawford, examine goat kids at the St. May-based Crafton Farms, during a visit on November 12.

1st insert: Minister with responsibility for Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw (right), is shown goats reared at the St. Mary-based Crafton Farms by Chief Executive Officer of Crafton Holdings, Senator Damion Crawford, during a tour on November 12.

2nd insert: Minister with responsibility for Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw (left), is shown silage milled at Crafton Farms in St. Mary by Chief Executive Officer of Crafton Holdings, Senator Damion Crawford, during a tour on November 12.

Photos by Rudranath Fraser