Government commits another $55 million to support greenhouse farmers affected by Hurricane Beryl
Vanassa McKenzie / Our Today
Greenhouse farmers impacted by Hurricane Beryl are set to receive support in getting their feet back on the ground, with the government committing an additional $55 million to procure materials.
Agriculture Minister Floyd Green gave the commitment while speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 24.
“Madam Speaker, recognizing the importance of protected agriculture; we have already procured $27 million of material, including plastic, anti-viral netting and shade cloth. Distribution for the greenhouse farmers in the hardest-hit parishes will commence next week. An additional $55 million is currently in procurement for additional material. Thirty-five greenhouse farmers have already benefited from 1250 bags of fertilizer, potting mix and vegetable seeds,” Green said.
Green also announced that the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has committed $3.1 million of greenhouse materials.
In addition to greenhouse farmers, the government has also commenced its distribution of broiler chickens, goats, and pig feed to livestock farmers. Green noted that mature pullets and layer feed for egg farmers will be distributed commencing October.
“Over 833 livestock farmers have benefited from these interventions. Furthermore, $26 million has been allocated to provide infrastructure support such as shelters and feeding systems, ensuring that our livestock farmers can get back to production as quickly as possible,” the Minister added.
Additionally, diary farmers will receive direct cash grants from the Diary Development Board.
“This month we will expend $2.5 million and further $2.5 million next month, representing 50 per cent of their total losses for the two-month period,” Green added.
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