Natural disasters affect farmers Xmas produce

Several farmers in Southeast St. Elizabeth are complaining that the recent onslaught from natural disasters has affected their produce for the Christmas season.



The farmers have been affected by floodwaters associated with three hurricanes in recent months.



One small farmer is calling for the government to put measures in place to help them.



Jerome Holder said although help is available through the Peoples\' Cooperative Banks, many farmers are unable to access loans, as they do not have the required documents.



Mr. Holder said some of the farmers have also not recovered from several fires since the start of the year.



President of the Jamaica Agriculture Society, Senator Norman Grant, said he is uncertain whether the produce from other farmers will be able to make up for the likely shortage from St. Elizabeth.



Senator Grant also wants the government to provide small grants to the affected farmers.