Dear Editor,

On June 5 I came across an open letter to Agriculture Minister Floyd Green in this paper, and I feel compelled to share my perspective as an onion farmer in Flagaman, St Elizabeth.

For all the years I’ve been farming, this is the most supportive, responsive, and effective the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) has been, and it is so under this minister’s leadership. Minister Green has ensured that a number of farmers, including myself, received direct support in the form of planting materials, which has significantly boosted our production capabilities. During times of drought, RADA and the minister promptly answered our calls by trucking water to various farmers in our community, ensuring that we could bring our onions to full term.

Contrary to concerns about surplus, I was able to sell my 30 bags of onions last week for a decent price, so much so that I’ve promised to buy my Member of Parliament (MP) and minister a drink out of the proceeds. The point is that there is absolutely no surplus of onions.

Additionally, farmers are aware that if they encounter challenges in accessing the market, they can contact Christopher Blake, our RADA extension officer, or the deputy parish manager, who have always made themselves available to help farmers secure markets.

Onion production is clearly making a significant comeback in St Elizabeth South Western, not just in Flagaman but throughout the parish as a result of the formation of the new St Elizabeth Onion Farmers’ Association. The Hounslow area has seen record production numbers, and all of the onions produced in that region have successfully found a market.

I encourage RADA and Minister/MP Green to continue their excellent support of small farmers. Their efforts are transforming the lives of our families and our communities through agriculture. Let’s keep up the good work.

Kaywana Dunkley

Flagaman, St Elizabeth