Dear Editor,

The removal of General Consumption Tax (GCT) on vegetables and raw meat coming into Jamaica has been a topic of debate for some time now. While some argue that it will help to lower prices for consumers and increase competition in the market, others believe that it may have negative implications for local farmers and the agriculture industry as a whole.

One argument in favour of removing GCT on imported vegetables and raw meat is that it will benefit consumers by making these products more affordable. This could potentially lead to increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, which could have positive impact on public health. Additionally, removing GCT could also increase competition in the market, leading to lower prices and better quality products for consumers.

However, it is important to consider the potential negative effects that this could have on local farmers. If imported vegetables and raw meat become cheaper due to the removal of GCT, local farmers may struggle to compete in the market. This could lead to a decrease in demand for locally grown produce and livestock, ultimately hurting the livelihoods of Jamaican farmers.

Instead of removing GCT on imported agricultural products, it may be more beneficial to focus on removing GCT on agriculture inputs for local farmers. This would help to lower production costs for farmers, making it easier for them to compete in the market. It would also incentivise farmers to invest in sustainable farming practices and improve the quality of their products.

Furthermore, removing GCT on imported vegetables and raw meat could also increase the risk of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) entering the country. Imported products may not be subject to the same regulations and standards as locally grown produce, potentially leading to health and environmental risks associated with GMOs.

There is also the concern that wealthy individuals or corporations could take advantage of the removal of GCT on imported agricultural products by importing large quantities of cheap produce and meat, further marginalising local farmers and small-scale producers.

Let us also look at the quality seeds that are available to farmers and the prices they attract; These costs never decrease for the farmers, and still there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they get the quality the companies boast on selling.

While removing GCT on imported vegetables and raw meat may have some benefits for consumers, it is important to consider the potential negative impact on local farmers and the agriculture industry. Policymakers should focus on supporting local farmers by removing GCT on agriculture inputs and implementing policies that promote sustainable farming practices and food security in Jamaica.

Troy Levy

Farmer

troylevey@yahoo.com