Tufton warns farmers
Published:Thursday | February 26, 2009 | 9:10 AM
Agriculture Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said persons who seek to unfairly hike the prices of produce from farmers are to be targeted by the ministry.
Dr. Tufton who was speaking yesterday at the Hague Agricultural Show in Trelawny said middlemen who trade in agricultural produce sometimes earn up to 700 percent in profits.
He also announced that a network is to be launched in order to provide farmers with best prices.
The network will include 1- 800 numbers, the media and representatives from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).
Dr. Tufton also said a yam packaging house is to be established in Trelawny at a cost of $15 million.
The facility will be located in a building, which is to be refurbished.
The Agriculture Minister said the plans have already been drafted and the project will shortly be put to tender.