Tax coming for imported roasted coffee beans

Agriculture and Commerce Minister Karl Samuda says a tax will be imposed on imported roasted coffee beans as a means to cut importations and provide funding to local farmers.

Samuda made the announcement at his ministry this morning.

He disclosed that regulations governing the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) will facilitate the new tax.

Samuda said work is advancing on the regulations.

He argued all players in the sector have to play their part in keeping the local coffee sector buoyant.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture and Commerce Minister indicated that the government will be providing support to coffee farmers.

Samuda announced that $80 million will be channelled to the ministry’s productivity incentive programme.

Among other things, farmers will be provided with fertilisers, tools, and training.

Samuda said the government wants to help farmers increase their productivity so that they are better able to see positive returns.

The intervention comes as coffee farmers complained about the price at which they are being paid per box for coffee.