The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) has rejected claims arising from the Auditor General’s performance audit that suggest poor oversight in the distribution of Moroccan fertiliser between 2019 and 2023.

This after the AG’s report, which was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, noted that while RADA established standard operating procedures for the distribution of agricultural inputs, it was unable to confirm that the fertiliser allocated to Members of Parliament for subsequent distribution reached the intended farmers.

In response, RADA issued a statement today in which it said the claim misrepresents key aspects of the Agency’s role and overlooks significant strategic improvements implemented both during and after the period under review.

RADA said the Moroccan fertiliser referenced in the AG’s report was not part of the Production Incentive Programme; it was a gift from the Kingdom of Morocco to the Jamaican Government.

As such, no procurement process was undertaken by RADA, and the Authority’s role was primarily facilitative, ensuring the equitable distribution of fertiliser to farmers, in collaboration with Members of Parliament and other Ministry agencies.

RADA said contrary to the assertion that it cannot verify the distribution of fertiliser by MPs, the Authority confirmed that it has started to receive distribution lists from MPs, which detail the names of farmers who received fertiliser.

Additionally, RADA said it made follow-up requests to MPs to ensure post-distribution verification.

The majority of MPs have responded cooperatively, reflecting a shared commitment to transparency and accountability in the delivery of state-sponsored agricultural inputs.

RADA said while it recognizes the concerns highlighted in the AG’s report, it has taken decisive steps to improve internal systems, enhance programme oversight, and ensure transparency across all operations.

It said the longstanding relationship between RADA and MPs, guided by standard operating procedures, continues to facilitate the timely and effective distribution of agricultural support to farmers across the island.