The Editor, Sir:

I refer to a news item on TVJ on Wednesday, May 14, in which a pepper farmer was complaining of not being able to sell his peppers and had stopped maintaining the crop out of sheer frustration. There has been a severe shortage of peppers since Hurricane Dean last August. Peppers have been fetching upwards of $250 per lb, but it is now trending downwards.

Agro-processors cannot afford to purchase the raw material at the current price as we would not be able to sell the finished product. It is my experience that some farmers would rather cut down the crops rather than sell the produce at a reduced price. I am sure that the farmer could not dispose of his peppers because of his asking price, as we have been constantly in the market seeking peppers for processing.

The question should be asked, was the farmer registered with RADA or JAS? The televised segment is sending the message to the public that crops are wasting in the fields because there are no buyers. This may be the case for some items, but I can speak specifically to peppers. Buyers need willing sellers. I am one of the largest purchasers of fresh peppers in the island and have not been able to source adequate supplies of peppers since August. My pepper of choice is the red habanero. However, due to the general shortage, I now buy a limited amount of scotch bonnet. Both sides of the story should be told.

I am, etc.,

ANDREW GRAY

Managing director

Gray's Pepper Products

Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland