Gov’t eyes tomato juice for schools
Published:Saturday | February 28, 2026 | 12:07 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Floyd Green, minister of agriculture, fisheries and mining, has revealed plans to introduce a locally produced tomato-based juice into Jamaica’s school nutrition programme, positioning it as part of a broader strategy to improve children’s diets while creating a stable market for farmers.
Addressing a recent Banana Board presentation of Hurricane Melissa recovery items to banana and plantain farmers in St James, Green said discussions are already under way with Education Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon to integrate the product into schools once formulation and taste testing are completed.
“We are moving in a direction of ensuring that our children are consuming healthier products,” Green said, noting growing concern about high sugar intake and the rise of non-communicable diseases among young Jamaicans.
The initiative comes as the country experiences periodic gluts in tomato production, with farmers often struggling to find markets when supply exceeds demand. Rather than allowing excess produce to go to waste or prices to collapse, the ministry has partnered with an agro-processor to develop a tomato-based beverage tailored for student consumption.
Green explained that a formulation has already been completed and the next step will involve taste-testing among students to ensure acceptability.
“We expect that the children will like it,” he said, while acknowledging that products labelled “healthy” can sometimes face resistance from young consumers.
The proposed juice would form part of a wider national push towards improved nutrition standards in schools, reducing reliance on high-sugar beverages and imported drinks.
Agriculture officials argue that the initiative creates a win-win outcome, supporting farmers during periods of surplus while promoting better eating habits among children.
The move also aligns with Jamaica’s broader food security strategy, which emphasises consuming more locally grown produce and strengthening linkages between agriculture and institutional markets.
If approved for rollout, the tomato-based drink could become a regular feature in schools, helping to stabilise tomato prices, reduce waste, and shift student diets towards more nutrient-rich options.
“We have to balance what children like with what is good for them,” Green added.