Marcia 'Moriah' James (left) receives a framed copy of her Silver Pen award-winning Letter of the Day from Gleaner Managing Editor Jenni Campbell at the newspaper's North Street, central Kingston, offices yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

Marcia 'Moriah' James, a 36-year-old farmer at heart, was yesterday honoured with The Gleaner's Silver Pen award for the best Letter of the Day published in May.

James' letter titled 'Disingenuous push on agriculture' was published in The Gleaner on May 9. In her letter, she spoke about the absence of the necessary infrastructure needed in rural communities to facilitate the development of farming.

"I am overwhelmed! I am excited! It is a refreshing feeling to receive this award," James exclaimed.

She stands by her view that the mantra 'Grow What You Eat and Eat What You Grow' is a little disingenuous.

"I have a nice, striving mini-farm at my Washington Gardens residence because I do believe in the mantra. It is only unfortunate that the resources are not available."

James is also of the view that Jamaica's annual Denbigh farm show is now commercialised.

"Back in the days when farming was thriving, Denbigh showcased the best produce the farmers had to offer but, with a decline in farming, Denbigh too has declined," she said.

"Basic infrastructure needs to be addressed, as I mentioned in the letter. Things like rural roads and water supply. Then we also have to look at the outlets, the market farmers will have for their produce. We can take farming to the other level where, just like how other countries are flooding Jamaica with their products, we are flooding theirs with ours. So the farmers must get serious but they must be supported by the policymakers."

Explaining why she penned the letter, James pointed out that she has written several letters on various issues.

"I have a passion for life and a passion to get involved, so this is one of my means of getting involved."

ryon.jones@gleanerjm.com