Government slams Opposition plan to tax imported foods as ‘impractical and outdated’

Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green has dismissed a proposal from the Opposition Spokesperson on Agriculture, Dr Dayton Campbell, to impose taxes on imported foods, describing it as "impractical and outdated". 

“Jamaica’s importation policy is designed to supplement local production, ensuring affordability and accessibility for all Jamaicans,” he said. “Any such tax would drastically increase the cost of living and in a globalised economy governed by free trade agreements, it would invite retaliatory tariffs on our locally produced food. Such a move would jeopardise both local farmers and consumers alike.”

Addressing a political party meeting recently, Campbell shared plans of a future People’s National Party government to impose a tax on imported foods to create a dedicated pool of funds that he said would help to develop the local agricultural sector. 

He stated that the tax would be similar to the levy imposed on incoming international calls used to create the Universal Service Fund, which, among other things, has established Wi-Fi hotspots around the country. 

But Green noted that these plans, done without addressing production capacity, would result in unnecessary hardship for Jamaicans and are ill-advised and harmful. 

He also criticised the proposal to cease importation of onions and Irish potatoes within two years without addressing production targets or capacity as unrealistic and reckless. “The proposal to impose a ban without speaking to production numbers would clearly lead to significant shortages. This would destabilise the market and drive-up costs, placing additional financial burdens on Jamaicans,” he said. 

He highlighted the Government’s record in increasing production, particularly under the National Onion Programme. Green shared that  the programme delivered 13,455 tonnes of onion between 2020 and 2023.

The minister also noted that there are government programmes underway that focus on the modernization and mechanization of the agricultural sector. 

Additionally, he highlighted the Government’s achievements in recent years, including the procurement of tractors, harvesters, drones and other vital equipment to enhance agricultural efficiency. He noted, too, that more tractors, motorized ploughs and other machinery are currently being procured as part of ongoing efforts to support local farmers. 

“The data shows clearly that this Government has taken meaningful steps to increase production and improve the livelihood of our farmers,” Green said.

- Sashana Small

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