RADA Farmers’ Market May 25
By: May 25, 2018 ,The Key Point:
The Facts
- In an interview with JIS News, Communications Director at RADA, Camille Beckford, said patrons should expect samplings, low prices and quality foods from RADA’s Home Economics and Social Services Unit.
- “There has been an increase in production, which has led to an oversupply in scallion (white), pumpkin, cabbage, pak choi, lettuce, tomato and carrot,” she said.
The Full Story
The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is inviting the public to its Farmers’ Market, scheduled to take place on Friday, May 25 at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Hope Gardens complex, from 6: 00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
In an interview with JIS News, Communications Director at RADA, Camille Beckford, said patrons should expect samplings, low prices and quality foods from RADA’s Home Economics and Social Services Unit.
“There has been an increase in production, which has led to an oversupply in scallion (white), pumpkin, cabbage, pak choi, lettuce, tomato and carrot,” she said.
Miss Beckford explained that the farmers’ markets are aimed at facilitating the distribution from the areas of oversupply to areas of high demand.
She pointed out that the improved weather in the first quarter of 2018 resulted in increased planting and reaping in the major production areas of the island, including Clarendon, St. Elizabeth, Manchester and St. Ann.
Miss Beckford said this creates the opportunity for farmers to sell directly to consumers.
She noted that farmers’ markets allow producers to get instant feedback and earn reliable income.
“Selling directly to consumers allows the farmer to capture the entire selling price without investing in infrastructure (store or farm stand), distribution or a middleman. We want the public to come out and support the events. You will benefit by receiving access to fresh, locally produced foods,” Miss Beckford said.
“You will also have the opportunity to develop face-to-face relationships with the farmers who grow these crops, and can contribute directly to local farm viability and the economy,” she added.
Miss Beckford said that RADA will continue to host farmers’ markets in other parishes, including Westmoreland, at Norman Manley Sea Park, Negril, on May 30; and in St. James at the RADA Parish Office, Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, on May 31.