Durrant Pate/Contributor

Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining is confirming that Jamaica’s farmgate prices are stabilizing following last year’s spike due to persistent drought conditions.

Portfolio Minister Floyd Green updated the House of Representatives Tuesday on farmgate prices for fruits and vegetables while highlighting the trends shaping the sector. Disclosing that his ministry has been closely monitoring the impact of weather patterns and market forces on farmers and consumers, presented data confirming that the market is stabilizing with clear signs of recovery.

He used the occasion to commend farmers, who despite having one of the most challenging years in 2024, based on the plethora of climatic events, continue to show outstanding resilience.

Contraction in farmgate prices

The data shows that nearly 70% of vegetables saw price reductions, some by as much as 66%. Among the most notable were:

• Sweet Pepper (Green); down 66% from J$1,293/kg in December 2024 to J$440/kg in January 2025. 
• Lettuce (Iceberg); down 44% from J$688/kg to J$385/kg.
• Tomato (Salad); down 40% from J$1,100/kg to J$660/kg. 
• Pak Choi; down 22% from J$267/kg to J$209/kg. This was boosted by increased production in Clarendon and St. Ann. 
• Carrot; down 33% from J$660/kg to J$440/kg. 

Minister Green told fellow Members of Parliament that other essential vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, romaine lettuce, string beans and cabbage recorded price drops ranging from 9% to 23%. This downward trend, he said is expected to continue, bringing further relief to consumers. 

While vegetable prices have declined, some fruit lines continue to be a challenge based on the weather patterns. Those include melons and cantaloupes.

“We are seeing the recovery of our banana crops with ripe banana reemerging. Additionally, Plantain prices which peaked at J$330/kg in December have since dropped 7% to J$307/kg in January and Pineapple (Cowboy) showed remarkable consistency, with only a 6% decline, from J$352/kg to J$330/kg,” Minister Green told the lower house of parliament.

He acknowledged that while adverse weather conditions affected supply over the past year, the ministry’s interventions have ensured that price surges were kept under control and that stabilization came faster than in previous years. Green promised that his ministry, “will continue working closely with our farmers to strengthen food security, support production, and keep prices manageable for all Jamaicans.” 

The Cabinet Minister asserted that this recovery is not happening by chance adding, “It is the result of deliberate action by this Government to support our farmers. Through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining, in collaboration with RADA (Rural Agricultural Development Authority) and our other agencies, we have provided the critical inputs needed to rebuild production capacity and mitigate losses.”

In conclusion, Green highlighted, “Farming is the backbone of our nation, and we will not allow our farmers to stand alone in this difficult period. We are working, we are responding and we are committed to ensuring that Jamaica’s food security remains strong. While the dry conditions may persist, so too will our resolve to protect our farmers, our communities and our future.”