George Henry, Gleaner Writer

Anthony Francis in a plot of thyme at New Building in St. Elizabeth. - Photo by George Henry

Malvern, St. Elizabeth:

It easy to say Anthony Francis' love for farming comes from a long family line as both his mother and grandmother who are veterans in the trade.

From a boy his skills were honed by watching his elders and perfected when he established his own farm. After more than 10 years' employment with the United States Farm Work Programme, Mr. Francis said he now devotes all his energy to his farm in New Building, St. Elizabeth. He explained that though his many trips to that country have landed him success, he was forced to quit due to an accident he suffered while working on the programme.

"I work here (in New Building) planting various crops, including thyme, tomatoes and sometimes melon and I am enjoying what I am doing," said the proud farmer.

The father of three daughters noted that farming has been good to him, as it has allowed him to be independent, to put a roof over his head and to send his children to school.

Though he loses at times, especially whenever there is a glut, Mr. Francis noted that nothing can dissuade him from continuing to do what he likes best.

The farmer who tills just under two acres of land pointed out that he did not have a difficulty marketing his crops.

Sometimes up sometimes down

"The market is there most times. When some of the crops are short the market is very good, but when there is abundance most times the crops stay in the field and spoil, he noted.

Luckily for him water shortage is not a problem as he is assisted by the nearby Alpart alumina company with commodity throughout the year.

Mr. Francis is urging persons with idle lands to put them into production so that more farmers could make a contribution to feed the nation and provide scarce and well-needed foreign exchange for Jamaica.