134 Banana farmers selected to participate in Core Farmers Program

Banana farmers who have been selected to be a part of the Fairtrade implemented, Core Farmers Program, are being advised to take the initiative seriously.{{more}}

The selected 134 banana farmers are now members of the program, which has as its mandate to assist farmers with inputs (fertilizers, insecticides) to meet demands required for good quality produced bananas.

Speaking at the launch of the program, which took place on Thursday, June 21, Philemon Allen, Chairman of the National Fairtrade Organization (NFTO), explained that the farmers’ core is a complementary program to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Operation Cut Back initiative.

“Our part in this set-up is to assist farmers who would have met the criteria for this program.

“We are really focusing on quality, productivity and the bottom line, production, which can only enhance the banana industry. And that is the reason why we made the special selection of farmers who we think can carry this industry from where it is now…,” Allen said.

Allen further explained that the idea of initiating the core program evolved from discussions on some of the issues and demands farmers were faced with, in an attempt to sustain the banana industry.

“It was in that light that the national committee has decided that we must focus on this core farmers’ program that can actually give life to our organizations, because the national Fairtrade organization strives on social premium monies from banana sales.

“WINFARM, our subsidiary who does all our marketing with WINFRESH, they also strive on banana sales. So, without bananas, there could be no Fairtrade and there could be no WINFARM,” he added.

The selected farmers were also warned by Allen to take the program seriously, as there are repercussions if they do not.

“Members within this core farmers program, it is not a license to sit within the program and tell yourself that you are in the core farmers’ program and I’ll be there forever.

“There are criteria, there are certain things that you must meet in all the workings of this program, because at any moment when you fail to comply, you will be expelled,” according to Allen.

Agriculture Minister, Saboto Caesar who was also present at Thursday’s launch said the initiative is a timely one, as the banana industry here is on its recovery path. (AA)