Floyd Green Says Targeted Measures Will Steady Food Supply During Hot Spell

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is moving to keep food available and prices steady while Jamaica endures hot, dry weather.

In a JIS News interview on Tuesday (July 14), Portfolio Minister Hon. Floyd Green said the heat is putting pressure on the market, but consumers should expect focused action aimed at bringing conditions back into balance.

“With the increased heat it does mean that there is normally a downturn in supply during this period. I want our consumers to rest assured that we will be taking the requisite steps to help bolster local production,” he said.

Where prices have climbed sharply, the Ministry is bringing in agricultural produce from outside those areas, he explained.

“Those of our consumers who are going out looking at our vegetable lines, our green leafy vegetables, we know there have been some increases in prices, [and] our onions there have been some increases in prices,” he pointed out. “Over the next two weeks we will see that moderate,” he assured.

Officials are also rolling out greenhouse support, since such structures generally cope better with harsh weather. Minister Green said 32 greenhouses are to be built, and farmers are receiving help to fix facilities damaged by Hurricane Melissa.

“We are now in the field not only issuing plastic and mesh but we are going to be looking to construct about 32 greenhouses especially focused on our nurseries,” he informed.