A research valued at US$70,000 has been launched by the Pesticides Control Authority (PCA) and The University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI), to analyse how pesticide residue affects agriculture in Jamaica, and its potential risk to consumers.

The launch, which welcomed other partners such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), The National Health Fund, The Coalition of Concerned Citizens and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), was held at the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Kingston on Tuesday.

“The goals of the project are to successfully determine the patterns and the level of use of agricultural pesticides, as well as determine the residue of these pesticides in our environment,” said Professor Paula Tennant, who represented the Department of Life Sciences at The UWI.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton said pesticide residue, which refers to chemicals that remain in plants after reaping, was responsible for 18 confirmed deaths last year, and 17 deaths the year before.

He said this was revealed in the National Surveillance Data from the health ministry.

While the minister praised the launch of the project, he also expressed disappointment that a study of such importance had not been conducted before.

However, Tufton said his ministry is anticipating success, noting that the project will help improve the quality of life for all citizens.

Photo caption: TENNANT...the goals of the project are to successfully determine the patterns and the level of use of agricultural pesticides.