DoA bulldozer ready to plough ahead
DoA heavy equipment operator Samuel Zelaya uses the bulldozer to clear a field in Newlands
(CNS Local Life): The Department of Agriculture’s (DoA) bulldozer for land clearing and preparation has resumed work and is available to all registered farmers, or organisations involved in agriculture. This service had been offered for more than two decades, but was suspended last year following the retirement of the previous operator who was replaced this summer.
Available in Grand Cayman on a district-by-district first-come, first-served basis, the bulldozer will clear away bush and other vegetation, and “rip” and prepare up to 10 acres for each applicant. It is open to all commercial crop and livestock farmers. Applicants must have a valid commercial farmer’s ID, or proof of provisional registration.
All land cleared under this service must be used for agricultural production within three months, and for a minimum of five years. The DoA will inspect and monitor all land cleared under the programme.
Farmers can check the DoA website for announcements of when the service will be offered in each district. The department will charge minimal fees to cover the costs of fuel used and transporting the bulldozer.
The revised bulldozer policy and background information are available in the agronomy section of the DoA website. Application forms, requirements and the entire policy are also listed online.
Failure to comply with the contract’s terms, without valid reason, will result in the farmer having to reimburse government for the full commercial cost of the service.
Category: Agriculture
