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Hundreds of pounds of exotic fruits and vegetables have been left to rot in a farming community in St James after an agreement to supply these items to the Sandals hotel chain reportedly fell through.
The 14 affected farmers, who have also built a large greenhouse in anticipation of major profits from the deal, are now seeking the intervention of the Agriculture Minister.
When RJR News visited the community of Mafoota, worried farmers walked through their fields in which sweet peppers littered the ground.
Cabbage and lettuce lay rotting, and overgrown callaloo beds were abundant.
Less common vegetables such as zucchini and sqaush fared no better.
Vanessa Smith, a farmer said they had made an agreement with Sandals to purchase their produce at a set price however, within the last month; the hotel has not been buying.
"There is no alternative because there's a glut on the market and the things are not selling so they stay in the fields and spoil. It cost sa lot to prepare the field for the products," said Miss Smith.
According to her, the farmers had sought answers but to no avail.
"The RADA (Rural Agricultural Developmental Agency) officers have taken it to Minister (Dr. Christopher) Tufton and they've meet in Kingston and will be holding another in Montego Bay (St. James) soon. We'll know what to do from there."
The farmers in Mafoota are each facing losses of up to $100,000 in losses each and this does not include the potential additional losses if they cannot find buyers for the remaining good crop before it too goes to waste.
In addition, the farmers believe that the greenhouse which they erected at a cost of $2.3 million will be useless if they cannot find a steady market.
They are hoping that Dr. Tufton will meet with them soon to arrive at solutions, as they are now struggling to take care of their families.
The 14 affected farmers, who have also built a large greenhouse in anticipation of major profits from the deal, are now seeking the intervention of the Agriculture Minister.
When RJR News visited the community of Mafoota, worried farmers walked through their fields in which sweet peppers littered the ground.
Cabbage and lettuce lay rotting, and overgrown callaloo beds were abundant.
Less common vegetables such as zucchini and sqaush fared no better.
Vanessa Smith, a farmer said they had made an agreement with Sandals to purchase their produce at a set price however, within the last month; the hotel has not been buying.
"There is no alternative because there's a glut on the market and the things are not selling so they stay in the fields and spoil. It cost sa lot to prepare the field for the products," said Miss Smith.
According to her, the farmers had sought answers but to no avail.
"The RADA (Rural Agricultural Developmental Agency) officers have taken it to Minister (Dr. Christopher) Tufton and they've meet in Kingston and will be holding another in Montego Bay (St. James) soon. We'll know what to do from there."
The farmers in Mafoota are each facing losses of up to $100,000 in losses each and this does not include the potential additional losses if they cannot find buyers for the remaining good crop before it too goes to waste.
In addition, the farmers believe that the greenhouse which they erected at a cost of $2.3 million will be useless if they cannot find a steady market.
They are hoping that Dr. Tufton will meet with them soon to arrive at solutions, as they are now struggling to take care of their families.
Nuh chew Mosiah
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