A QUESTION ADDRESSED TO THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE Re THE NEW RECRUITS

Your Excellency,

We have read in the press lately that you plan to recruit in the near future four hundred and fifty agricultural engineers and technicians to fill up the vacancies in your Ministry.

We were already aware of the acute shortage in qualified personnel at the Ministry of Agriculture and we sincerely commend you for taking that initiative.

At the same time, could you please explain to us a few things about this projected move?

• What exact functions will these new recruits perform?
• Is there a detailed Agricultural National Plan that indicates exactly what the Ministry of Agriculture intends to achieve during the next five year and what role will these new four hundred and fifty experts play in the implementation of that Plan?
• Four hundred and fifty new recruits may cost the State up to four and a half million dollars in salary and benefits. Is that amount included in the 2011 Budget?

These are the questions for which we need answers, your Excellency. I believe that we are entitled to them, considering that we, the citizens, are going to pay for the 4.5 million dollars.

But more importantly, we are entitled to read about the entire Agricultural Plan that you have prepared and learn how this important sector of our economy will be managed from 2010 to 2015.

The citizens of this country look forward to receive your answers, your Excellency