Working out kinks at farmers' market

Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer

A MISUNDERSTANDING by the public about the purpose of yesterday's farmers' market is the main reason some potential customers were disappointed, according to Cecil Thoms, director of communications at the agriculture ministry.

He told The Gleaner the primary objective was to help farmers move surplus cabbage, tomato, and lettuce, while providing bargains for consumers. "They thought they could get everything wholesale, but it was about come and get some items which are glut, but people were complaining about the unavailability of some crops such as red peas, scallion, thyme," he said.

Thoms admitted that he was surprised to find eggs and fresh fish on sale, while crops such as sugar cane and ginger sold out early.

Describing the turnout of shoppers as impressive, he said ministry officials would review the initiative with the aim of fine-tuning the operational strategy for next week's farmers' market, which will be extended to St Mary, Clarendon, Manchester, and Kingston. It will also return to the Portmore HEART Academy in St Catherine.