28 October 2011....St. Johns, Antigua: In recognition of the role that farmers’ play towards the attainment of the country’s food security thrust, eight farmers were honored – two women, two youths and four stalwarts during a ceremony held at the Fisheries Complex Point Wharf, Friday Morning.

The ceremony was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment in collaboration with the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which highlights success of the agriculture industry and the people who have toiled tirelessly over the years.

Minister of State the Hon. Chanlah Codrington, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Sharon Peters and Director of Agriculture Mr. Jedidiah Maxime awarded the medals –three silvers and five bronzes respectively to the recipients from the three categories, Stalwarts, Women and Youth in Agriculture.

Receiving the silver medals were Corthwright David of Bolans, Alison Warner of Bendals and Beryl Knight of All Saints. The bronze medals on the other hand went to Twin I Payne of Collins, George Purcell of All Saints, Hudson Simon of All Saints, Johnson Southwell Snr of Bolans and Jerome Crump of Ebenezer.

Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Sharon Peters explained the category of Youth In Agriculture to which Payne and Crump were awarded is "about recognizing young persons who have contributed to the business of agriculture through innovation, determination, growth and leadership.”

For, Women in Agriculture, Ms Warner and Ms. Knight received the coveted award for their commitment to promoting the advancement of women in agriculture by addressing rural and agricultural inequalities and achieving a level of sustainable livelihood, she said.

David, Purcell, Simon and Southwell Snr, were identified as “farming figureheads” in the category of Stalwarts in Agriculture for their outstanding service to the farming industry.

Director of Agriculture, Mr. Jedidiah Maxime described the FAO medal, he said the obverse of the medal, designed by the Italian artist Roberto Francesconi, shows human resources of all classes and crafts working the land, demonstrating that only by working together for the common good will food, and a correct alimentation be assured at any historic –economic moment in time.

The reverse of the medal bears the FAO logo and was designed by the Italian artist Roberta Rubegni.

Mr. Maxime stressed the importance of the medals, reiterating that farming is hard work, likened the process to “a combination of sweat, blood, and tears.” It was at this juncture, he call for “more emphasis to be placed on the recognition of the farmers."

Mr Maxime stated it is customary for FAO to award silver and bronze annually. The gold, he said, is only given on special requests or consideration. To this end, only the late Sir Robert Hall from Antigua & Barbuda has received a gold medal from FAO, he was selected on merit.

Meanwhile, Minister of State –Hon. Chanlah Codrington during his address to the farmers raise issues relating to the four pillars of food security-Stability, Access, Availability and Utilization.

Referencing to a recent report, captioned “the future of food and farming challenges for global sustainability”, the minister of state called for" foresight think-tanks to assist in addressing the global challenges associated with food insecurity."

In recognizing the challenges faced both nationally and globally, Mr. Codrington admitted, “we have a lot of work to do...and the technicians and technocrats will have to work towards the light at the end of the tunnel.”

In accepting the awards Payne called for more youths to become involved in Agriculture and further assistance from the ministry.

Other issues raised were that of market share, import vs. Exports for local farmers, storage and post harvesting, water resources and praedial larceny.