The United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) has long been a supporter of the farming sector especially after major disasters. During the COVID pandemic is no different, as the United Way of Jamaica and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) recently launched the JAS/UWJ COVID Project at the St. Catherine Agricultural Branch Societies Annual General Meeting held on August 12, 2020.
Twenty (20) selected farmers within the parish of St. Catherine received cash and in-kind inputs of approximately $30,000 each to assist them to establish their Agricultural ventures. This project will allow the farmers to receive approximately 700 seedlings, ranging from Hot Peppers, Sweet Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Carrots and fruit trees to include; Lime, Mango and Avocado, along with chemicals to assist with the preparation of the land.
Mrs. Winsome Wilkins, CEO of the United Way of Jamaica, stated that the “UWJ is concerned about the financial status of the small farmers and their ability to sustain themselves and their families as we try to navigate the COVID pandemic.” She said for many persons, back to school in itself is a challenge and every effort must be made to assist where possible to alleviate some of the challenges being faced. She further lauded partners 3M for making the funds available to support this initiative. 3M has been a long standing supporter of the work of the UWJ and for that we are grateful, stated CEO Wilkins.
“The JAS will assist these farmers with the technical support necessary to ensure success from planting to reaping,” commented President Fulton as he expressed his thanks to the UWJ for the continued support of the members of the JAS. “We hope that this project will be a success similar to the pig project that was launched over 13 years ago and is still successful and vibrant within the parish,” stated Mr. Fulton.
Farmer Leechman from Kentish (JAS Branch), a participant in the project expressed his appreciation. He stated that he was pleased with his carrot seeds but he was even more grateful with the fact that he got three fruit trees which is of significant value especially during this time.
Overall, the United Way of Jamaica will be providing support to 100 farmers through the JAS Branch network.
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Farmers from the parish of St. Catherine with their seedlings sponsored by the UWJ and 3M at the recently held St. Catherine Agricultural Branch Societies Annual General Meeting.
For further information contact:
The United Way of Jamaica Secretariat
Telephone: 876-922-9424/7
Email: [email protected]
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