VIDEO: GK to increase purchase from local farmers

BY CONRAD HAMILTON Observer senior reporter hamiltonc@jamaicaobserver.com

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

EXECUTIVES of local manufacturing conglomerate GraceKennedy say they are seeking to increase the amount of produce purchased from local farmers, who from time to time encounter significant challenges finding markets for their produce.

Pointing to one of the company's success stories, chief executive officer of GraceKennedy Don Wehby told journalists at yesterday's Observer Monday Exchange that approximately 450 farmers supply 45,000 pounds of produce on a weekly basis to the Hounslow post-harvest and packaging facility, located in St Elizabeth.

According to Wehby, callaloo, carrots, tomatoes and sweet peppers are among the produce packaged for distribution under the Grace Fresh and Ready brand.

"The arrangements that we have are contracted, we agree pricing, we agree input, we have had very little problems," said Frank James, the company's chief financial officer as he responded to questions on the partnership with farmers.

James also indicated that produce such as peppers are purchased from farmers across the country.

Meanwhile, first vice-president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Norman Grant has described GraceKennedy's pronouncement as timely and stated that there are even more opportunities for farmers to forge stronger relationships with agro-processing entities.

According to Grant, the farmers' association recently launched an agricultural chamber which includes several agricultural stakeholders. "We are going to be sitting around the table with companies like GraceKennedy as we want to discuss how we can effectively market the produce of our farmers," said Grant. "The agricultural sector has a tremendous potential to drive economic growth in Jamaica and lead in job creation."