The Government, through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), is responding to the ongoing oversupply of tomatoes in the domestic market, noting that the result is due to the “strategic interventions” of the agency.

Moreover, the agency said it plans to secure markets for farmers while ensuring the preservation of the harvest with post-harvest storage.

The glut of tomatoes in the local food market, according to RADA, resulted from a significant increase in tomato production, particularly in the southern parishes, with St. Elizabeth leading the way.

“While increased production is welcomed, the local demand for tomatoes has remained steady, leading to an oversupply in the market. As a result, prices have declined, posing challenges for farmers who now struggle to sell their produce at sustainable rates,” the agency shared in a press release.

In response, RADA’s marketing team is actively working to secure new markets by engaging aggregators, purveyors and agro-processors to absorb the excess supply. The agency has therefore encouraged farmers faced with the challenge of selling their produce to contact their RADA marketing officer for assistance.

“RADA has begun assessing the available produce, and the marketing officers will assist in connecting farmers with suitable markets accordingly,” the agency further outlined.

It added: “This situation underscores why the Ministry of Agriculture has made cold storage a national priority. Proper storage infrastructure is essential to preserving excess produce, extending shelf life and ensuring that farmers can benefit from their hard work even when supply outpaces immediate market demand.” 

Through the Agribusiness Cold Chain Initiative, the ministry has endeavoured to reduce post-harvest losses by up to 30 per cent. A key part of this effort is the Kirkvine Cold Storage Facility in Manchester, which is being developed under the REDI II initiative in partnership with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).

The facility will include two 40-ft cold storage units providing 135.1 cubic meters of space, along with a separate 40-ft dry storage unit that adds an additional 67.54 cubic meters of capacity. It will also feature a dedicated processing area where produce can be sorted, washed and graded before storage.

To guarantee sustainability and efficiency, the facility will be equipped with a photovoltaic system to reduce energy costs and a rainwater harvesting system to support operations.

According to RADA, “With this investment, over 1,500 farmers and aggregators in Kirkvine, Content and surrounding areas will have access to improved storage solutions, helping to stabilise prices, reduce waste and strengthen Jamaica’s agricultural value chain.”

The Ministry of Agriculture said it continues to ensure that farmers can maximise their earnings through strategic investments and market-driven interventions.