Newport Fersan Donates Fertilizer to Farmers

The Government, on Tuesday received 1,000 bags of fertilizer from local manufacturer, Newport Fersan (Jamaica) Limited, in an effort to resuscitate the agricultural sector, following the passage of Hurricane Sandy.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, accepted the donation from the Newport Fersan’s Managing Director, Dennis Valdez at the company’s Wherry Wharf complex at Newport East, Kingston.

In expressing gratitude, Mr. Clarke said: “It will go a far way in helping the farmers get back on their feet.” He informed that distribution will commence shortly, adding that the Government is committed to assisting the farmers, who sustained significant damage during the passage of the hurricane on October 24.   

The donation is expected to benefit farmers in various industries including, banana, cocoa, coconut, coffee, and cash crops. Focus will be placed on the worst affected parishes of St. Thomas, Portland, St. Mary, St. Andrew, parts of Clarendon, St. Catherine and St. Ann.

The Minister commended Newport Fersan for partnering with the government in providing quality products to the industry, stating that this will facilitate growth and the rebuilding of the sector.

In addition to the donation, the Ministry will be purchasing approximately 900,000 kilograms of fertilizer from Newport Fersan at a reduced cost, to assist farmers.

Mr. Valdez, for his part, said the donation of the fertilizer is part of a process to assist farmers to get back into production in the shortest possible time.

He informed that the company has also substantially reduced costs on a range of fertilizers to further assist those sectors that were affected by the storm. 

“Being able to give back to our customers by donating these bags of fertilizer, and extending discounted rates on a range of fertilizers, demonstrates our commitment to the industry and to the wider Jamaica. We welcome the opportunity to help farmers whose crops were devastated by Hurricane Sandy,” he said.