Dear Editor,

Farming in Jamaica stands at a crucial crossroad, a place at which resilience must meet innovation if the country is to continue contributing meaningfully to the global agricultural landscape.

The international market has shifted, and Jamaica’s fertile soil and climate provide an opportunity to rise to the occasion. However, this revival cannot happen in isolation; it requires thoughtful strategies that integrate sustainability and innovation, like composting and the use of local resources like Sargassum seaweed to reduce dependency on expensive synthetic fertilisers.

In response to the pressing need for agricultural recovery, the Ministry of Agriculture has allocated a significant sum to assist farmers in recovering from recent challenges. This financial aid is a testament to the Government’s recognition of the vital role farming plays in the economy, not only feeding the local population but also positioning Jamaica as a key player in global markets.

This allocation, while a necessary step, highlights the need for greater efficiency in how resources are utilised. As the country navigates the complexities of food security and economic growth, it becomes evident that long-term solutions must be found to support our farmers sustainably.

Fertiliser, a critical input for crop production, is often expensive, putting pressure on farmers who are already struggling to recover from weather events like Hurricane Beryl. The growing demand for fertilisers is expected to continue as farmers replant their crops, making it imperative to explore alternative, cost-effective options.

Enter the possibility of turning waste into wealth through composting. The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has already taken steps to promote composting, with pilot projects launched in Hanover.

Composting, the process of recycling organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, not only helps reduce the volume of waste but also provides an affordable alternative to synthetic fertilisers. In a country where a staggering 67 per cent of waste can be composted, the potential for creating a circular economy through organic waste is immense.

This not only alleviates the burden on landfills but also contributes to the local agriculture industry by providing a sustainable, low-cost solution for farmers in need of quality fertiliser. Moreover, another overlooked yet promising resource is the Sargassum seaweed that has washed up on Jamaica’s shores.

This natural resource, which has often been seen as a nuisance, could be transformed into a valuable fertiliser. By processing Sargassum into compost or fertiliser, Jamaica can tap into an untapped market, creating a sustainable and low-cost alternative to synthetic fertilisers while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of these seaweed invasions.

If managed properly, this resource could even be used to create exportable products, providing farmers with both an affordable input and a potential income stream from global markets seeking natural alternatives.

The story of Osaki, a town in Japan that has successfully utilised waste recycling to reduce landfill volume, offers a hopeful glimpse into what Jamaica could achieve through comprehensive composting initiatives. Osaki’s model showcases the economic and environmental benefits of recycling waste — benefits that Jamaica could easily replicate.

Jamaica could reduce the pressure on landfills by embracing composting on a wider scale while producing high-quality fertilisers for its farmers. This, in turn, could lead to more sustainable farming practices and potentially lower input costs for agricultural producers.

As the global demand for agricultural products like citrus, sorrel, and beetroot grows, driven in part by climate change and the increasing cost of farm products worldwide, the country’s farmers are uniquely positioned to benefit.

It is time for Jamaica to turn waste into opportunity and farming into an export powerhouse, all while nurturing the land that has given so much to its people.

Horatio Deer

horatiodeer2357@gmail.com