Gov’t Anticipates Lower Prices for Agricultural Produce

The Government is expressing confidence that support being provided to farmers and allied stakeholders under the post-Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts will result in consumers benefiting from lower prices for agricultural produce.

This view was expressed by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, while providing an update on the ongoing Hurricane Beryl Recovery Programme in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (September 24).

He said assistance is being given to farmers to enhance crop resilience and improve supply chain efficiency.

“These measures, combined with the natural recovery of our agricultural lands and the dedication of our farming community, give us confidence that we will see a return to more favourable and stable prices, and affordability for all Jamaicans,” Mr. Green stated.

He said analyses of food prices indicate that while some crops, such as tomatoes and certain varieties of sweet peppers, recorded significant price increases due to supply disruptions, others like lettuce and carrots experienced “price stabilisation” in the weeks following the hurricane.

“I am pleased to report that some staples, such as cucumbers and watermelons, have maintained some stability, and we have intervened. So we have looked at helping our farmers come back and we have also allowed traders to tap into external sources to provide that stability,” the Minister informed.

Mr. Green said the recovery is not just about numbers, but also the people whose lives have been disrupted by the severe weather event.

“It is about the farmers and the fishers who are the backbone of our economy. They have shown tremendous resilience in the face of adversity, and I know there is still a lot of ground to cover, but I really want to thank the teams at the Ministry, especially the team at RADA (the Rural Agricultural Development Authority) and the National Fisheries Authority. They have been out providing technical assistance, ongoing support, training initiatives and helping our farmers and fishers prepare for future climatic shocks,” he stated.

The Minister noted that the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Programme has made significant strides in stabilising Jamaica’s agricultural sector.

“While there is still work to be done, the progress, thus far, is encouraging, and we are well on our way to restoring agricultural productivity to pre-hurricane levels. This programme not only supports immediate recovery but strengthens our overall resilience for the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Green said the outlook for the sector remains positive as the Yuletide season, traditionally a period of increased demand for fresh produce, approaches.

“We will continue to pay attention to all areas of agriculture, including what is happening in relation to our poultry sector, and ensuring that our consumers have access to the best poultry in the world. The surge in supply from various production areas will help to ensure that prices for vegetables and fruits remain stable,” he assured.

Minister Green expressed confidence that with the Government’s continued support and the indomitable spirit of farmers and fisherfolk, the sector will not only recover but thrive.