The Cow and Banana

[ECO]

Take a look at the source link for some cool pictures and a sad story of someone who returned home to Jamaica after 33 years. Weird how Jamaica is known for organic food and old school methods of growing but the author is claiming it might be the birth of of genetically bred cattle.

http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/01/ne ... ting=posts

Who would know for example that this little plot of land in the heart of Saint Catherine, Jamaica, was once home to the first examples of genetically bred cattle anywhere in the world?


Or that Ren Gonsalves was partly responsible for cultivating new breeds of bananas resistant to the pathogens most responsible for their near demise in the major producing areas of the world? source:http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/01/news/caribbean-news-2/jamaicas-national-heritage/?ec3_listing=posts

[Rose21]

This is news to me. I had no idea that cattle were geneticall bred in JA.
Young folks are not interested in farming, there are so many lands that just overgrown because the young guys don't have the farming ambitions as there grand parents.

My grandfather was a farmer, when he died non of his sons or gandchildren step in and continue in his footsteps. So the lands just overgrown. The younger generation thinks it's hard work, and there are other options out there.

[Nanoose]

Genetic engineering could be the answer to many of the world’s food problems. But it is sad that farms are disappearing because its hard to make a profit or crops are being turned into bio fuel. Cheers!

[ECO]

This is news to me. I had no idea that cattle were geneticall bred in JA.
Young folks are not interested in farming, there are so many lands that just overgrown because the young guys don't have the farming ambitions as there grand parents.

My grandfather was a farmer, when he died non of his sons or gandchildren step in and continue in his footsteps. So the lands just overgrown. The younger generation thinks it's hard work, and there are other options out there.

It is hard work! Since they have times of the year with little rain grass/hay is hard to grow unless you can afford a watering system with pumps and hoses. Every weed in the world is attracted to the good soil and cows are somewhat picky about what they eat compared to goats. It's almost like you would have to have cows feed on a pasture and then goats to eat up the weeds and keep rotating it around.

It would seem like more people should have an interest in farming since Jamaica imports way to much stuff that they can grow on their own.

[ECO]

Genetic engineering could be the answer to many of the world’s food problems. But it is sad that farms are disappearing because its hard to make a profit or crops are being turned into bio fuel. Cheers!

I'm not sure the bio fuel buy out is happening in Jamaica yet like in Mexico. It's sad to see people not being able to afford corn or corn meal since it's worth more as fuel.