Small Farmers need a Boost!

We know that supporting the small farmer is important.  So why isn’t more being done to give them a boost?  

 True, all farmers have to contend with natural disasters, the uncertainty of the dollar and man-made difficulties such as praedial larceny. Then if their goods do reach the market place, buyers can be few.  This can devastate even the most determined farmer.  However, the small farmer may be even more frustrated as he can not produce enough goods in order to attract bigger markets, such as the tourism industry.

I think it makes sense for hotels across the island to sign contracts with small farmers for them to supply goods all year round. So what do the hoteliers think about this plan?

In an article published by The Gleaner on July 19, 2010 entitled, ‘Sabotage- Hotels accused of boxing the small farmers out of market’, by Christopher Sirjue, their response suggests that they favour larger farmers because they can provide them with the quantity of goods they need. 

So should they sign these contracts anyway?

I think they should, mainly because we are all in this together and hotels need to give back to our country even if it is in this small way.  Remember, that the small farmer is the backbone of our country so without them Jamaica might not be the glistening jewel in the crown of the tourist industry!

Click on the link  below to read the entire article mentioned in my post:

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100719/lead/lead1.html

 Teri Ann Renee Paisley (Gleaner On-line writer)