Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Derrick Kellier, says the United States Division of Agriculture has approved simple entry of breadfruit, calalloo, pineapple, strawberries, guineps and other crops into their markets, and farmers and business interests should seize the opportunities.
The Minister emphasised that it is important for all stakeholders to keep abreast of the requirements which are necessary for successful export marketing, and that farmers and exporters need to look at pricing issues and put plans in place, so that their business can grow.
Farmers are being encouraged to further tap into export markets that exist for 52 crops that have pre-clearance in the United States, of which Jamaica is filling less than a quarter of the demand.
The Minister said the Government is encouraged by the growth in demand for Jamaican commodities in the non-traditional sector, and that concerted efforts have been made to produce certain crops in quantities that can meet the export needs.
“We have been targeting banana, cocoa, local and new varieties of sweet potatoes, watermelons, pepper, mango and spices for the British market, and in Trinidad and Tobago, we are pursuing the export of dasheen, hot pepper and banana,” he noted.
The Minister emphasised that it is important for all stakeholders to keep abreast of the requirements which are necessary for successful export marketing, and that farmers and exporters need to look at pricing issues and put plans in place, so that their business can grow.
