Clarendon Farmers Weathering Turbulent Effects of COVID-19

For the past year, local farmers have been weathering turbulent effects brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before Jamaica confirmed its first COVID-19 case, the then billion-dollar tourism industry, the biggest market for many farmers was showing signs of fragility as international travel was disrupted.

When CVM Live visited farmers in Crofts Hill, in northern Clarendon they say as things change intermittently, they are struggling, as they deal with major losses.

The farmers say as the tourism market shrinks, there is a growing glut locally.

Anderson says he has reached the point where he has decided  not to  reap some of what he has sown, because there is just no market, especially for the romaine lettuce.

They are relying on produce such as the ice berg lettuce, irish potato, tomatoes and hot peppers  which is normally in demand on the local market.

Meanwhile, the arrival of the AstraZeneca vaccine on the island will bring with it new hopes for the farmers.