Once again the 'Eat Jamaican' campaign is back on the agenda, and this time the initiative seems to be headed for great things, what with backing from the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and our local Ministry of Agriculture.

We are told that some US$17.2 million is being pumped into this joint venture, and that it is being promoted under the theme: 'Eat what we grow, grow what we eat'.

Quite fittingly, the March 1 launch took place at the Coronation Market, which is perhaps the most famous market outside of the Linstead Market. The agriculture minister, Dr Christopher Tufton, who was the main speaker, also had the backing of his Opposition counterpart, Roger Clarke. This is a good show, as its success depends on the support of all Jamaicans of whatever political persuasion.

Tufton, in his address, extolled the virtues of increasing the production and consumption of local produce, as they make for healthier choice, while at the same time acknowledging the fact that some imported goods may come at a cheaper cost. He, however, warned that cheaper does not necessarily mean better.

Roger Clarke in giving his backing to the undertaking stated: "Any initiative which encourages the Jamaican people to support local products has my unequivocal support."

Another aspect of this exercise is the introduction of farmers' markets at strategic locations across the island. These markets were originally conceptualised as a remedy for the glut of agricultural produce on the local market. At these markets, consumers are treated to a variety of produce at bargain prices. The popularity of this innovation is gaining much traction to the point where 'waggonists' are now getting on-board by staging copycat markets shows.

A venture of this kind also has the effect of bringing down the cost of the import bill for agricultural produce, which has been showing a decline over the last two years.

manage situation

The agriculture ministry and its subsidiaries need to effectively manage the situation. Already, there is clamouring from sections of the Jamaican public for these markets to be permanent features across the island. The benefits here are clear and unambiguous. The farmers benefit by selling their produce and the consumers by getting local produce, at reasonable prices. However, not only would the farmers and the agriculture ministry get rid of the glut of food items, but the goal of the 'Eat Jamaican' thrust would have been realised.

This seems too good to be true, and maybe it is. The Ministry of Agriculture has to be very tactful here, because it is likely that other farmers and some vendors may cry foul, and maybe the supermarkets too, which incidentally carry a large stock of imported ground provisions. So while on one hand it gets rid of the glut and get Jamaicans to truly honour the central theme of 'Eat what we grow, grow what we eat', it could also serve to divide and alienate sections of the farming community.

However, should this become a permanent or semi- permanent feature, we may be in for what could very well be termed a series of Chris Tufton's Travelling Market Shows.

Contact me at elgin1225@yahoo.co.uk

This seems too good to be true, and maybe it is. The Ministry of Agriculture has to be very tactful here, because it is likely that other farmers and some vendors may cry foul, and maybe the supermarkets too, which incidentally carry a large stock of imported ground provisions.