Tufton urges consumers to keep supporting local farmers

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, has encouraged Jamaicans to substitute local produce for those in short supply due to the recent weather conditions, rather than turn to imported foods.
He was speaking on Tuesday (October 26), at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ quarterly press briefing at its Hope Gardens headquarters in Kingston.
Dr. Tufton said the effects of Tropical Storm Nicole had left produce, such as tomatoes, lettuce, melons, cantaloupes and sweet peppers in short supply. He added that while permits have been granted for the importation of some of these crops in the interim, where possible, Jamaicans should still support local farmers.
“To the consumers we say, where you are inconvenienced, appreciate that these things do happen and, in support of the farmers in Jamaica and the agricultural sector generally, sometimes we may want to consider looking at a local substitute to compensate for the shortage of your local favourite product, rather than to look to an imported product,” he said.
Dr. Tufton said this support would provide revenue for local farmers and help them to get back into production. He noted that the sector was set back a little over
$1 billion, as a result of loss of livestock and crops as well as damage to farm roads and other infrastructure.
Dr. Tufton said the Ministry was working to get farmers back into normal production by providing seeds, re-establishing plant nurseries, repairing greenhouses, and providing information. He said the Ministry was also helping with road clearance and land preparation at a subsidised cost.