MP hopeful calls for freeze on importation of peanuts

 

People's National Party (PNP) candidate for South East St. Elizabeth Norman Scott has called for a freeze on the importation of some local produce, particularly peanuts. 

 

His call comes as peanut farmers in Hamilton Town in the constituency say they are facing a glut in the market over the last year as homegrown peanuts are being shelved for imports.

 

"A thing like peanut which once was a lifeblood of these farmers, today they have piles of bushels of peanuts and can't get any buyer. And what is happening? Jamaica is importing peanut from other countries and the farmers of South East St. Elizabeth and Hamilton Town cannot get any market for their product.

 

"I'm calling on the Minister of Agriculture, who is the one that is giving the permit for the importation of peanuts into the country, to take a stock of what he's doing because the poor farmers of Hamilton Town and its environment are suffering," lamented Mr. Scott, who will be facing off with long-time Jamaica Labour Party MP Franklin Witter in the September 3 general election. 

 

Meanwhile, one farmer said he has been forced to store a large amount of peanuts for months as he awaits buyers.

 

"Twenty bag a peanut, eight month now mi have it, cyah get it sell, and hungry nearly kill me," he complained. 

 

This has been a long-standing issue for peanut farmers in the southern parish as imported peanuts are usually sold at cheaper prices.