Guys Hill, St. Catherine:

Another group of farmers has secured a long-term marketing deal with Walkerswood Caribbean Foods (WCF), one of Jamaica's leading agro-processing companies.

Under the agreement, the Guys Hill Farmers Association from St. Catherine will supply WCF with the equivalent of 15 acres of sorrel, scallion and hot pepper.

Howard O'Hara, a marketing officer at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), who has responsibility for the parishes of St. Thomas, St. Andrew and St. Catherine, assisted the farmers in capturing the deal. While not divulging the rate the farmers would be paid, Mr. O'Hara explained that it would be subjected to periodic review.

Strong producers

He said the Guys Hill farmers were 'strong producers' and are noted for producing Irish potato.

Recently, a group of farmers in St. Andrew signed a similar deal with WCF. Two other farmers' groups in Tetford, St. Catherine, and Springfield, St. Thomas, are currently working at developing similar arrangements with WCF.

Benefits of agreement

Mr. O'Hara said the group of between 20 and 25 farmers in Tetford should soon be growing hot peppers, scallion and sorrel for WCF. These farmers are already familiar with the benefits from such agreements as they currently grow sweet potatoes under similar arrangements with exporters and agro-processors. They earn between $25 and $40 per pound for the sweet potatoes.

The Springfield group has been producing mainly vegetables for export. They are currently replanting and expanding to include hot peppers to supply WCF.

- C.B.