By Michael Spence
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| Michael Spence |
I write concerning the current administration of incentives under the Fiscal Incentives (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013.
The replacement of the traditional 20 percent duty on farm vehicles with what is reported to be a costly, time-consuming, bureaucratic process through the Ministry of Agriculture and RADA is concerning.
Reports from small farmers indicate that accessing these incentives now costs tens of thousands of Jamaican dollars. This burdensome bureaucracy is stifling agricultural output and undermining the productivity and viability of small rural farmers.
I respectfully propose a return to a simple, transparent process:
Qualification: Applicants must be active farmers or enterprises engaged in crop cultivation or in the rearing of animals or fish for human or animal consumption.
Verification: A RADA extension officer conducts a site visit to confirm farming activity.
Application: Submission of a standard form with supporting documents, such as property tax receipts, lease agreements, title, or other relevant proof, to the appropriate RADA office.
Processing: RADA forwards the application to the Incentives Officer at the head office.
Approval: The Minister of Agriculture submits applicants to the Minister of Finance, who gives the final approval.
Copies are then sent to the Minister of Agriculture and Commissioner of Customs.
Issuance: The Ministry of Agriculture then issues Certificates of Approval to successful applicants.
Use: A copy is provided to the importer/motor vehicle dealer for submission with Customs documentation.
This aligns with Part 5 of the Act, which provides relief on inputs used in primary production and supports concessionary importation of farm vehicles and income tax relief for approved farmers.
Current administrative bureaucracy and associated costs contradict the Act’s intention to support farmers, particularly small-scale producers.
I urge an immediate review and reform of the existing procedures.
Michael Spence
Michael Spence is a graduate of Cornwall College and the University of the West Indies. He is a trained teacher, a sociologist, and a writer for Bark Di Trute.
Micspen2@hotmail.com
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