JAS CEO Reports Success of Farmers’ Markets Stabilising Post-Hurricane Food Supply

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Derron Grant, has reported success in a strategic series of farmers’ markets designed to stabilise the food supply and support farmers following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

In the aftermath of the category-five hurricane, rapid replanting efforts led to an oversupply of certain agricultural produce in specific regions.

The initiative, a joint collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), and implementing partner JAS, was launched to provide markets for farmers facing an oversupply of certain crops in regions where demand was higher.

According to Mr. Grant, the response to the farmers’ markets has exceeded expectations. To date, markets have been held in Kingston and St. Andrew, Negril in Westmoreland, Puerto Seco in St. Ann, and Portland.

“The response has been great for the most part. In Negril, by 2:30 p.m., all of the farmers [produce] were sold off. Similarly, farmers had to restock in Portland. In Kingston and St. Andrew, for the first one that was held in January, farmers were totally sold out… eggs, everything was sold out by two or three o’clock. At Puerto Seco Beach, while it was [initially] a little bit slow, by the end of the day the farmers were sold out,” he told JIS News.

The CEO added that scores of farmers have been turning up at the various venues, many bringing large quantities of produce that are often completely sold by the end of the day.

“In Negril, one farmer who took 2,000 pounds of tomato, sold in excess of 1,500 pounds. The only reason why the others weren’t sold is because some of the fruits were squeezed and he gave them away to the customers. So the markets have been going well,” Mr. Grant reiterated.

To further support farmers, fees for each market were waived in accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture’s directive. Additionally, free transportation of goods to the various venues is available upon request.

Additionally, through RADA, the Ministry has been transporting farmers’ produce to other wholesale markets and processors to address the oversupply of tomatoes.

“There is an increase in the production of tomatoes. So the Ministry has been strategically identifying large purveyors to take those up; they have also been providing transportation for those as well,” Mr. Grant said.

While some farmers have expressed concern over lower prices due to high supply, Mr. Grant explained that this reflects a recovering market.

With the Ministry providing subsidies in the form of fertilisers and seeds over the past two months, production costs have been managed to help offset the lower market prices.

“There’s not much that can be done with market forces. There’s always a supply and demand issue… because when the produce is low, the price moves upwards. So it is only natural that when the production is high, the price is going to move in the other direction,” Mr. Grant reasoned.

He noted, however, that as production levels out, prices are expected to return to normal.

Meanwhile, the farmers’ market series will continue in March at Norman Manley Beach Park in Negril, Westmoreland; Highgate in St. Mary; Kingston and St. Andrew, including the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus; and in Portland.

The dates for the farmers’ markets are being finalised, and the public is encouraged to follow the social media pages of the Ministry of Agriculture, JAS, and RADA for updates.