Green assures sufficient food available for Jamaican Christmas
/ Our Today
administrator
Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green has assured that there will be sufficient food available for Christmas, as items such as fruits, vegetables and table eggs will be imported to cover production gaps.
The minister said the country was experiencing challenges with egg availability prior to Hurricane Melissa’s arrival, an issue which has been exacerbated by the damage caused by the category-five storm.
He was speaking at Wednesday’s (December 3) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, where he provided an update on the ministry’s hurricane recovery efforts.
The minister explained that an analysis of the country’s demand pattern will determine consumptions levels. This will be compared with our current production patterns, and any supply deficits will be met by external sources.
Green assured the farmers, however, that there will be a market for their products.
“We will not do more than is necessary. I want my farmers not to worry. There will be space for your products. Once you bring them to market, there will be space for that,” Minister Green promised.
He noted that discussions are being held with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service about the requirements to ensure that the imported items will get to Jamaica at a reasonable price, so consumers can access them for the holiday season.
In the meantime, the minister highlighted the critical role agro-parks will play in the sector’s recovery.
He disclosed that the Agro-Invest Corporation (AIC) recently hosted an engagement session with agro-park farmers, which culminated with the official launch of the Agro Park Recovery Boost Programme – the 1,000-Acre Boost.
The initiative is focused on restarting land production, securing guaranteed buyers for crops and meeting production targets.
“[The programme] is targeting the rapid return of key crops such as tomatoes, vegetables, melons, sweet potatoes, cassava and hot peppers. Farmers in Clarendon, St. Catherine, and St. Elizabeth are already engaged, with Portland, St. Thomas, and the Corporate Area being mobilised,” Minister Green said.
This initiative will accelerate land preparation, drain cleaning, road repairs, irrigation recovery, seedling supply, fertiliser distribution, and coordinated input support.
Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture said it is accelerating the Matching Grant Scheme to provide up to J$750,000 to farmers for tools, irrigation supply, fencing and planting material.
To further hasten a return to production, private tractor services are being provided in the agro-parks, with a target of preparing at least 50 acres of land per week. The service will be provided at discounted rates of up to 62 per cent.
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