Dear Editor,

The Ministry of Agriculture must be commended for the job that it has done to revive the agri sector. I can speak specifically about peppers and the success of their initiative. Last year was my most successful year with regard to pepper purchases, which showed a 300 per cent increase over the prior year.

At all times the local supply is our number one priority for the simple reason that the quality is unmatched worldwide and the price is cheaper relative to imports. However, we must recognise that Jamaica is an island that is very susceptible to adverse weather conditions. One only has to look at the period 2002-2007 where we suffered a series of devastating hurricanes and tropical depressions. Each time that has happened, all or most of the pepper fields were destroyed.

Speaking from personal experience, the recovery time for the crop after a hurricane is anywhere between six and 12 months. Last year we were spared, resulting in one of the best pepper crops in years. Had there been a hurricane, the situation at this time would have been completely different despite all the advances that were made by the agriculture ministry. This would have left the processors of sauces and jerk seasoning at risk, as their production would have been affected. They would not have been able to service the export markets.

The JEA is being proactive by requesting a policy to deal with situations such as these that will arise in the future. The Government has in the past granted waivers, but not on a timely basis. There needs to be a plan where once a raw material is in short supply, waivers are granted for a specified period and within a reasonable time. In this way, we will be able to maintain our export markets and increase our sales. The Government has indicated that the agri sector is one area that it wants to encourage and grow. Our success will be their success and will no doubt redound to the benefit of the farmers as well as Jamaica. Let us work together to make this happen.

Andrew Gray

Gray’s Pepper Products Ltd

PO Box 81

Savanna-la-Mar

Westmoreland