Fuss over imported fertiliser intensifies

The Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture Roger Clarke is turning up the pressure on the Government to allay fears about the safety of imported fertiliser. The Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton is insisting that the product is safe although it contains human faeces.



Mr Clarke said he is not comforted. Roger Clarke said he has been forced to stop using the imported fertiliser on his farm because his employees cannot tolerate the obnoxious smell.



The Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has said the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have cleared the product. Mr Clarke wants a local independent test on the imported fertiliser. He says only then will he be satisfied with the product. The 2500 tonnes of fertiliser were shipped to Jamaica in batches late last year.



According to Mr Clarke, although there are claims that the product was tested, there is no evidence to indicate the safety of each batch. He said if the Government fails to undertake local testing of the fertiliser the Opposition would consider doing so.