Food prices are falling in Jamaica says Minister of Agriculture

 

Caribbean Money Daily

Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining in his address to Parliament on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, indicated that food prices, which were elevated long after the passage of Hurricane Beryl in June 2024, are now trending down as the farming sector recovers, although drought is persisting in some areas.

He said, “the market is stabilizing and we are seeing clear signs of recovery.” Surveys show he said that nearly 70 per cent of vegetables saw price reductions, some by as much as 66 per cent. Among the most notable are : Sweet Pepper (green) which is down 66 per cent, from J$1,293/kg in December to J$440/kg in January; Lettuce (iceberg) is down 44 per cent, from J$688/kg to J$385/kg.

Also reduced in price are Tomato (Salad): Down 40 per cent, from J$1,100/kg to J$660/kg; and Pak Choi: Down 22 per cent, from J$267/kg to J$209/kg, which was boosted by increased production in Clarendon and St. Ann.

Carrot reportedly are down per cent , from J$660/kg to J$440/kg. Other essential vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, romaine lettuce, string beans and cabbage also recorded price drops ranging from nine per cent to 23 per cent.

Green asserted, “This downward trend is expected to continue, bringing further relief to consumers.” But challenges remain in the segment of fruits including melons and cantaloupes but the MAFM is reporting recovery of banana crops with ripe banana reemerging.

Additionally, plantain prices which peaked at J$330/kg in December have since dropped only 7 per cent to J$307/kg in January and pineapple is fairly stable with only a 6 per cent decline, from J$352/kg to J$330/kg.

Green outlined that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining, in collaboration with RADA and other agencies, have provided the critical inputs needed to rebuild production capacity and mitigate losses.

He said, “While adverse weather conditions affected supply over the past year, our interventions have ensured that price surges were kept under control and that stabilization came faster than previous years. We will continue working closely with our farmers to strengthen food security, support production, and keep prices manageable for all Jamaicans. “

The Ministry is also providing water and irrigation support to areas which continue to be affected by drought.

Photo by ar.insipredpencil.com

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