Farmers Markets Being Reorganised

KINGSTON — Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Robert Montague, says the Ministry is in the process of reorganizing the farmers markets, which have been used as outlets for excess agricultural production.

Speaking at the eighth anniversary of the Jamaica Agricultural Society's (JAS) ‘Eat Jamaican’ campaign, at the Denbigh Show Ground, May Pen, Clarendon, last Friday (November 25), Mr. Montague, said efforts are being made to expand and diversify the initiative to enable farmers access to different areas of the market.   

Pointing out that the name will be changed to Farmers’ Wholesale, and that one such prototype has already been established in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Mr. Montague explained that efforts are being made to have them strategically placed islandwide, particularly within proximity of hotels and restaurants.

"We will not be in competition with the local markets, but we will allow the buyers to come in to purchase wholesale quantities. We will (also be establishing the farmers wholesales) in Montego Bay (St. James), one in Negril (Westmoreland) and one in Kingston," he said.

Mr. Montague also disclosed that the Ministry has concluded discussions with a number of exporters and hoteliers, regarding their procurement of some of the excess crop yields.

"The hotels have informed us that they can only get 60 per cent of their needs in fresh fruits and vegetables from our farmers. So, there is a 40 per cent gap that we can take advantage of," he observed.

The Minister has also appealed for the incorporation of preservation methodologies, such as packaging and canning, in a bid to ensure availability of the products, particularly during periods of low yield. Such processes can also lend the value added component, which he suggested should be the next step in agricultural production.

"It is my view that we do not have a major problem in producing fresh fruits and vegetables (for example). Where we have a problem, is preserving those for the times when they are not in season," Mr. Montague asserted.

By Douglas McIntosh, JIS Reporter