Free Hill farmers cry for gov't help

Farmers in the rugged rustic community of Free Hill, near Bamboo in St Ann, are appealing for help from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority or the Ministry of Agriculture to cover loans which were used to purchase what turned out to be defective Irish potato seeds from a supplier.

Free Hill farmers Bobby Rattray, Easton Diedrick and Philbert Paddyfoot subsequently lost 80 per cent of their crop planted on 13 acres of farmland.

The farming trio are complaining that they have been forced to find new revenue streams - by planting other crops - to help offset their debts, which were issued by their local People's Cooperative Bank.

The loans should have been repaid at the end of June but an extension has been granted.

Diedrick, Paddyfoot and Rattray are also seeking help in sourcing a supplier which can guarantee them good-quality seeds as well as assist them with fertiliser.

ian.allen@gleanerjm.com