"In 2007 the figure for imported food was well over US$700 million; in 2008 it went up US$854, million but significantly the physical volume of food actually decreased so the increase in value was attributed solely to the import cost for food," Stanberry said.

"The figures we just had from Statistical Institute of Jamaica showed that for the period January to November 2009 our import bill was US$783 million, we are coming down and I'm anxiously awaiting the volume figures because I'm very sure that it would have gone down."

He lauded local farmers for their role in helping the country to survive the current food crisis.

"Last year the sector grew by 12 per cent and it is true that over 190,000 of our framers really survived on less than five hectares of land, but it is to the tribute of those farmers and to their credit that we have been able to survive the food crisis," he said.

He said in order for the industry to move forward and to have continued success, Government must provide more support in the areas of research and development and additional extension services.

He also encouraged the farmers to better organise themselves.

On the issue of praedial larceny, Stanberry said his ministry and the Ministry of National Security were working together to see how best to address the issue.

He said members of the judiciary and the security forces were being sensitised in order for them to treat the issue with more seriousness.

Meanwhile, president of the JAS Glendon Harris called for greater recognition for farmers.

"Farmers have been looked down on for too long as the profession that you go into when you can't do nothing else. But farmers must be recognised and be given the credits that they deserve as they continue to feed the Jamaican people," he said.

He also called for greater support for farmers in terms of modernising the industry, providing technical services, training, as well as research and development.

For his part, Opposition spokesman on agriculture Roger Clarke called on the Government to move more urgently on its plan to convert idle lands into agriculture farms.