Agricultural sector players are imploring Jamaicans to consume more locally grown produce which would tremendously encourage farmers who suffered a battering from the passage of Hurricane Dean last August, and ensuing persistent rains.

In observance of Eat Jamaica Day, which was commemorated on Sunday, Minister of Agriculture and Lands, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has said that focus must be placed on local production both from a consumption and production perspective.

"If Jamaicans focus on eating more local produce this would contribute to farmers growing more," said Dr. Tufton.

Creating consistency

While noting that the markets are filled with imported produce, sometimes cheaper than locally grown foods, Dr. Tufton said that the Ministry is working on implementing agricultural mechanisms to boost production.

"That's why we must work with farmers, and those within all areas of the sector such as the agro-processors so we can create a level of consistency in quality and production," he said.

The Eat Jamaican campaign was launched on November 25, 2003, and has as its theme: 'Grow What We Eat and Eat What We Grow'.