‘Eat Jamaican’ Day is Nov 25
FRIDAY, November 25 is being observed as ‘Eat Jamaican’ Day.
In a message to mark the occasion, president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Lenworth Fulton urged Jamaicans to eat more locally produced food as part of efforts to safeguard the island’s food security.
Fulton said the JAS recognises the importance of supporting local production in order to ensure the stability of the agricultural sector and, by extension, nation building.
“It is my opinion that there is no economic activity which has a greater multiplier effect than money made from farming. As we urge consumers today to ‘Eat Jamaican’, in the same breath we urge the farmers to increase production and to become more integrally involved in taking themselves to the next level by offering value-added products with attractive packaging,” he said.
Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries reported six consecutive quarters of growth since the second quarter of 2021. This represents a 17.4 per cent increase in production.
Fulton said the ‘Eat Jamaican’ tenets have become even more purposeful as the nation battles the global pandemic of COVID-19 and its debilitating effects on the society.
“There is a real need, therefore, to consume local agricultural produce filled with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to boost the immune system. The ‘Eat Jamaican’ campaign was borne out of the need to encourage consumers to recognise, support and to have a greater appreciation for the range and quality of Jamaica’s agricultural produce and products,” he added.
