Johnson

SPANISH TOWN, St Catherine:

The recent announcement that Government plans to bring fertiliser from Venezuela has not brought any undue fear to the makers of the organic product here in Jamaica.

Hugh Johnson, who produces Rescue organic fertiliser, told Across The Nation that his business would not be adversely affected by the Government's latest attempts at easing the cost of fertiliser to farmers.

"There are persons who still dedicate themselves to the use of natural fertiliser, and the list is extending," he said.

However, Johnson has shown concern about how quickly the plans to import fertiliser have been going.

According to Johnson, the Government should have taken more time to discuss the matter with farmers and other players.

"I think they should not only talk about organic fertiliser, but walk the walk, as it is the way forward," he said.

Natural ingredients

Earlier this week, Johnson had done an interview about the importance of organic fertiliser in the Jamaican context. Johnson said the product was made from natural ingredients and provides employment for 17 persons in Kitson Town, St Catherine, with bigger plans on the horizon.

"I want to get the necessary funding to put out at least 120 tonnes annually, and this will also help to employ more persons," said Johnson.

Johnson said he had been in the industry for the last 25 years and was a producer of the product on a smaller scale for small farmers.

Since then, he says, the organisation has grown, as its usefulness has become more apparent with the rise of fertiliser prices.

"The natural ingredients increases the fertility of the soil and are less expensive," explained Johnson.

Despite the challenges the industry faces, Johnson says the product has come a long way and he intends to continue rescuing Jamaica's farming.

- Rasbert Turner