Rainforest Seafoods to host fish farmers' market

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Rainforest Seafoods, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, will host a fish farmers' market at the company's headquarters along Slipe Road in Kingston on Saturday, May 17.

Marketing manager at Rainforest, Roger Lyn, said the concept is similar to that of previous farmers' markets that sell ground produce and other foods from local farmers.

"We will have a tank with live fish," he explained. "People can come and look, pick their fish, get it scaled and take it home." Lyn noted that Rainforest has been working with the Ministry of Agriculture and fish farmers for years. But he said there had been challenges, including the stigma that 'pond fish' wasn't good for consumption.

"We are in the whole seafood business and we saw it fitting to help these farmers," he said. "The tilapia farmers' market is a concept we think can be effective." He said the Kingston outlet was perfect as the Corporate Area was a big market for Rainforest. Lynn explained the aim is to start as early as 7 a.m. on that Saturday.

town crier

"Saturday is usually a good day for people to go to the market," he said, noting Rainforest would be handing out flyers and were even trying to enlist a town crier to drum up support and awareness. Apart from the chance to purchase fish, representatives from the various stakeholders will be present to educate the public on the type of fish being farmed.

"It (the market) is a start and hopefully we can have it every now and then ... in as many different locations as possible," said Lyn. "Food security is critical and we need to support our local producers, especially in these economic times." Lyn wouldn't speculate as to how many pounds would likely be sold. He conceded that, since nothing has ever been done like this, it was difficult to gauge a response.

Rainforest Seafoods is the largest, most consistent supplier of high-quality seafood throughout Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Rainforest carries over 500 references of fish and shellfish, sourced from recognised suppliers around the world.

Rainforest Seafoods

to host fish farmers' market