KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries says it has arranged a meeting with all stakeholders in the impasse involving J Wray and Nephew (JWN) and fish farmers Algix Jamaica.

Appleton Estate, operated by JWN, has delayed the commencement of the 2016 sugar crop in response to a court injunction served on behalf of Algix regarding the discharge of effluent into the Black River in St Elizabeth. Algix charged that the discharged effluent caused them to lose fish production.

But Appleton’s delay has resulted in the widespread and continuous blocking of roads in the parish by disgruntled cane farmers.

“While the Ministry is not at liberty to get involved in a matter before the court, we are permitted to facilitate the mediation process between both parties and as such, the Ministry has organised a meeting with all stakeholders to be held on Monday, February 1, 2016 to discuss the matter,” the Ministry said in a release Friday afternoon.

In the meantime, they say they have urged the affected stakeholders who have been protesting to be calm as they seek to resolve the matter amicably.