John Myers Jr., Business Reporter

Peter Jones (left) of Exotic Farms is seen with Kirk Kennedy of Jamaica Trade and Invest at the opening of a cargo cooling facility at Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston, June 11. - File

Exotic Farm Produce Limited, a United Kingdom importer of fresh produce mainly from South America, says it will be contracting local growers to produce an assortment of speciality crops in Jamaica to complement its food distribution business.

"We recognised the potential within Jamaica for developing crops that are both suitable for export and for supply to the local community," said Exotic's procurement director, Peter Jones.

But first comes the research and development to determine which crops are suited for cultivation here.

Growing baby corn

"We are currently growing baby corn which has been trialled for several months now at the Bodles Research Station," said Jones.

The company is also examining the commercial potential of growing mange tout, sugar snaps, and green beans, as well as sweet potatoes, a crop that is already grown extensively in many parts of the island.

President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, Senator Norman Grant, was enthused about the investment, noting that the farmers' group was in discussion with Exotic to build four cold storage facilities across the island.

The project is estimated to cost $20 million, said Grant.

Exotic Farm has invested US$35,000 in the trials at Bodles, located in Old Harbour, St. Catherine.

Target markets

Outside of exports, its target markets will include cruise ships and local hotels for products its trials prove can be grown commercially.

"The project for growing baby corn is already well established and we are in the process of identifying commercial growers who are capable of taking the project to the next stage," said Jones.

Although the crops grown here would account only for a small percentage of the company's total fresh produce business, Jones said, "I could see this building over the years if the initial promising results continue".

"We firmly believe in developing 'total projects' in areas where we choose to invest," said Jones.

john.myers@gleanerjm.com