I am very pleased to be here this morning on this momentous occasion to celebrate the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s (RADA) certification in ISO 9001:2015 Quality Systems Management (QMS).
Today represents a huge step forward for the agriculture sector and, by extension, Jamaica, as this achievement will undoubtedly lead to greater productivity and efficiency.
Let me start by commending the team at RADA for the work they would have put in to reach this point. Ladies and gentlemen, this achievement does not happen overnight. It takes years of consistent and high-quality
hard work. The ISO certification adds to the existing culture of excellence within this authority.
It highlights that RADA and all its employees have been playing their respective roles in ensuring that the people they serve receive the highest quality service.
This certification is therefore tangible evidence of the fruits of their hard labour over the lifespan of the entity. Furthermore, being certified by an organization comprising the national standards bodies of more than 160 countries emphasizes the quality of service being provided to Jamaica’s citizens. As a small nation with limited resources, it shows that we are more than capable of doing big things. So, I want to encourage RADA to continue the excellent work and build on this culture of excellence.
We have been talking about the ISO certification, but what exactly does it mean for RADA and agriculture as a whole? To arrive at the answer, we must first understand what the ISO certification is. The ISO 9001:2015 is an international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It provides a framework for improving quality for any organization looking to provide products and services that consistently satisfy consumer and regulatory requirements.
On this premise, RADA would have embarked on its ISO certification journey in 2018 to enhance the service delivery of the Authority. RADA and its partners have conducted several sensitization/training sessions geared towards ISO 9001:2015 certification with RADA’s senior management staff and technical specialists in areas like Awareness on ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management Systems, Risk Management, Root
Cause Analysis, among others. The intention is to enhance RADA’s capabilities to achieve its strategic objectives, including enhancing agricultural service delivery, improved crop and livestock production, targeting new entrants and strengthening strategic alliances with local and international stakeholders. These objectives coincide perfectly with the Grow Smart, Eat Smart Campaign. A large part of Grow Smart, Eat Smart is centred
around increased efficiency and productivity within the sector. What does this look like? It means reduced wastage of resources by proper planning and intentional production. It means improved quality of products and services by applying best practices such as proper soil management. It means enhanced partnerships by engaging in discourse that will ultimately lead to mutually beneficial relationships for the betterment of the sector.
This ISO certification speaks well for the citizens of Jamaica. It assures them that the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, through RADA, will provide them with the highest quality of service available. They can be assured that their needs will be adequately met. Also, there is a standard that they can use to hold RADA accountable. Similarly, it empowers RADA’s employees to perform to the best of their abilities as they will be motivated to know that the services they are providing are considered to be of a high standard.
Once more, commendations to the staff at RADA for your hard work over the years and special acknowledgement to the management team at RADA for your leadership in steering RADA towards such an
achievement.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to providing the support needed to push its agencies to deliver quality service to the citizens of Jamaica. As RADA continues to grow and strengthen, I encourage all employees to continue serving with passion and dedication. I urge you to continue to provide our farmers with the assistance they need to execute their duties and contribute to one of the most critical sectors in the country. I thank you for all the support that you have provided to RADA, the Ministry and to Minister Witter and myself. I wish for every one of you and your families a safe, happy, holy and peaceful season.
Comments