Rayon Dyer, Gleaner Writer

Black River, St. Elizabeth:

President of the St. Elizabeth Branch Society of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Roy Morrison, says the recently established farmers' market at the Essex Valley show ground has been successful.

Speaking with Farmers Weekly on Monday, Mr. Morrison said the farmers' market, which started two weeks ago, will create additional markets for local farmers to sell their produce. He said that the idea to have the farmers' market could only get better over the months to come.

"I am impressed so far, and I am pleased with the farmers who were a part of the first selling session," he said. Mr. Morrison noted that the market started out with a few farmers "who had all the basic, fresh produce for sale".

"The farmers' market caters to persons who are interested in buying produce both for wholesale and retail at reasonable prices, where they can go and sell at other markets in the country," Mr. Morrison explained.

Speaking at the recent parish agricultural show at Essex Valley, Senator Norman Grant promised that the JAS would be supporting the farmers in their quest to have a well functioning farmers' market in St. Elizabeth.

"This is a St. Elizabeth market and only farmers from the parish will be allowed to trade the produce there. The trading day is every Wednesday, and while there is no official stalls in place as yet, very shortly we intend to have the infrastructure looking all good," Mr. Morrison said.