Iconsumer » farmers : A Jamaica Gleaner Blog

Grow what we eat – Eat what we grow!

November 28th, 2019

Have you ever looked at the place of origin of your favourite snacks? You may be surprised by the number of products that are imported from other countries. I did a quick survey in my own cupboard and realized that out of ten items only two stated that they were made in Jamaica. Why are [...]

Bamboo Coal Anyone?

February 27th, 2013

Teri Ann Renee Paisley, Gleaner Online Writer The unmistakable arch of bamboos that line the road of Holland Bamboo Avenue on the way to St. Elizabeth has become a cultural landmark that has been captured in film, canvas and poetry. The bamboos have a graceful beauty that belies its resilience. Bamboo has been used to [...]

CONSUMER FOOD ALERT!

January 8th, 2012

Once again I read of those who continue to reap what they did not sow. This was reported by the Gleaner on January 6,2012,”Reports are that about 8.00 a.m. today, a farmer of Middlesex district in Guys Hill discovered that some 200 pounds of sweet pepper were stolen from his farm. These sweet peppers were [...]

Sweet Peppers hit a Sour Note!

February 5th, 2011

It never fails. Someone always wants to ‘reap’ what they did not ‘sow’. Recently over 300lbs of sweet pepper were stolen from a farm in Agulta Vale, St. Mary. Those peppers had just been sprayed with Caprid, a chemical, which makes them poisonous to humans for the next seven days. A small part of me would rejoice if [...]

Small Farmers need a Boost!

July 20th, 2010

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. [...]

Praedial Larceny – A Farmer’s Worst Fear!

July 16th, 2010

As I dream of growing heads of lettuce and rows of corn in my home garden an unwelcoming thought occurs to me. What if someone came and stole everything after all the hard work I had done? Well that’s what many farmers face as they contemplate how many of their goods will make it to [...]