By Dennise Williams, Staff ReporterCONSIDERED one of the 'winners' in Jamaica's agricultural sector, pimento or allspice, is being targeted by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) for increased export.
According to Senator Norman Grant, president of the JAS, "For the period August 2003 to December 31, 2003 the JAS realised total sales of $9,614,416 resulting in a gross profit of $2,711,854.00 and estimated net profit of $2 million."
Overall, pimento earns Jamaica over US$5 million annually, from pimento berry, pimento leaf oil, pimento berry oil and other products involving pimento, states the Ministry of Agriculture.
The United States Department of Agriculture reports that the average monthly New York Spot Price for Jamaican pimento was US$6 per pound in September 2003. Note that Guatemalan/Honduran pimento sold for US$1.650 per pound while Mexican pimento sold for US$1.50 per pound in September of 2003.
Using the last five Septembers as a measuring stick, the New York Spot Prices were as follows:
In addition to the farming of the crop, the Ministry of Agriculture reveals that the pimento industry also creates an opportunity for niche market in the manufacturing of products such as Jerk Seasoning, mixed spices and Pimento Liqueur. However, the JAS's focus is the farmer and as such, Senator Grant tells the Financial Gleaner that, "Total quantity of pimento purchased from farmers by the JAS for the period was 76,852lb with the leading parishes being St. Thomas 26,619lb, St. Andrew 20,522lb and Manchester 12,435lb." Other parish purchases include:
St. Catherine 6,913lb
Clarendon 5,062lb
Portland 3,982lb
St. Mary 919lb
St. Elizabeth 126lb
Senator Grant continues, "With another two months remaining for the pimento crop, the JAS estimated that there is still 5-10 per cent of the crop remaining and is projecting that another 5,000-7,000lb will be purchased, bringing the total purchases for the crop to 83,882lbs a record for the JAS in over 10 years."
Looking to the future, Senator Grant states, "The JAS for the upcoming crop will be working with the farmers in relation to pimento trading.
"While for this crop the JAS seeks to export over time the JAS Commercial Company will be involved in the direct exporting of the support product in order to give the farmers a member price and increase the level of competition within the market."
In recognition of the support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Senator Grant states, "We would further like to commend and support the Ministry of Agriculture $178m replanting and resuscitation programme for the pimento."
The pimento has had a long and varied history on the world market. Information compiled by the Department of Chemistry, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, points to some of the highlights of pimento. (See chart)
In addition to its uses as a seasoning, pimento is considered to be helpful in the remedy of indigestion, colds, cramps, intestinal problems, rheumatism, muscular strains and depression. It can also be used as a tonic and tranquiliser.
TABLE 1 NEW YORK SPOT PRICES FOR PIMENTO
| Year (Sept) | Country | US$Per |
| | Pound |
| 1999 | Jamaica | 2.150 |
Guatemala 1.300
Mexico 1.300
2000 Jamaica 3.600
Guatemala 2.420
Mexico 2.100
2001 Jamaica 2.720
Guatemala 1.400
Mexico 1.225
2002 Jamaica 5.738
Guatemala 2.150
Mexico 1.750
2003 Jamaica 6.000
Guatemala 1.650
Mexico 1.500
SOME HIGHLIGHTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE JAMAICAN PIMENTO
1601 Earliest reference of the use of pimento in London, England
1693 Pimento was marketed as sweet scented Jamaica pepper
1721 Pimento was first listed in the London Pharmacopoeia
1761 Prices in London were between 6.25-9.25 pence/pound
1882 Strict controls on cutting of pimento saplings
1895 Jamaica Agricultural Society formed
1908 Vere sugar factory started the largest quantity of pimento,
producing 11,147 metric ton.
1920 Manufacture of oil from pimento leaves started
1980 Smallest quantity of pimento produced, 888 metric ton
