The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining says it is moving to provide targeted support to escallion farmers in South Manchester and South St Elizabeth, following reports of a significant build-up of produce and reduced market uptake.

In a news release, the ministry said it is aware that farmers in these areas are currently managing a substantial volume of escallion, which has contributed to a slowdown in purchasing by key buyers, including Grace Agro Processors, a division of GraceKennedy Foods and Services Limited. This situation has created mounting concern among farmers as they work to secure stable markets for their produce.

In response, the Government has engaged Grace Agro Processors and Walkerswood Caribbean Foods Limited in discussions aimed at re-establishing stronger purchasing arrangements and supporting the continued participation of local farmers within established supply chains, the release stated.

It added that the ministry has also engaged the Jamaica Manufacturing and Exporters Association (JMEA) as well as the Jamaica Agro Processing Association (JAPA) for rapid uptake of available volumes by their respective membership. Thus far, the response has been positive and it is anticipated that increased uptake will begin in the coming week, the ministry said.

The ministry’s chief technical director visited New Forest, Manchester on April 2, 2026, and met with escallion farmers to assess the situation on the ground and discuss the support measures being put in place, stated the release.

The ministry said it has also widened its engagement to include Spur Tree Spices, Southern Fruits & Food Processors, the Scientific Research Council (SRC) and Ebony Park Heart Academy, with a view to increasing processing capacity for escallion and reducing the volume of produce at risk of spoilage. These engagements are focused on facilitating the conversion of fresh escallion into value-added products such as mash and dehydrated powder, creating additional pathways for farmers to move their produce.

To support these efforts, the ministry has indicated that it will provide transportation assistance to move escallion from farms to these processing facilities, helping to ease logistical constraints and ensure that produce can be utilised efficiently.

Discussions have also explored broader support mechanisms, including improvements in storage capacity, to better manage supply during periods of excess production. It is important to note that several existing processors has also signalled their intention of expanding their productive capacity to adequately treat with these periods of momentarily over-supply, the ministry stated.

It said it will continue to pursue additional market opportunities for escallion, both within existing distribution channels and through new avenues, while also examining options for direct purchasing interventions to provide immediate relief to affected farmers.

The Government said it continues to work closely with farmers, agro-processors and buyers to address the current challenges and to ensure that the escallion industry continues to operate in a way that supports farmer livelihoods and market stability.