Clock ticks on farmers relief programme
(CNS): The PACT government is continuing with the previous government’s policy to support farmers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and officials are urging eligible people to submit applications for the relief before next Friday, when the window of opportunity closes. The Cayman Islands Farmers Assistance and Relief Measures (CI FARM) policy was implemented by Juliana O’Connor-Conolly, who, although still in government, is no longer responsible for agriculture. The new minister, Jay Ebanks, said that PACT backed the programme launched last December.
The aim is to stimulate more interest in agriculture, strengthen the resilience of the farming community and generally promote sustainable agriculture and food security. Successful applicants receive a voucher to purchase seeds, fertilisers and other essential agricultural inputs from the Department of Agriculture.
Since the inception of CI FARM, more than 1,200 farmers have benefitted from the relief measures. The progamme is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture with funding and oversight provided by the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure (PAHI).
“These grants will help to stabilise agricultural businesses which have lost revenues and incurred expenses related to the interruption caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency,” Minister Ebanks said, as he thanked O’Connor-Connolly for establishing the initiative and the PACT Cabinet for continuing it.
For information about the COVID 19 Farmers’ Assistance Programme or to apply for the grant, contact Senior Policy Advisor Demoy Nash at 244-3159.
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Category: Agriculture, Business
Does anyone have any numbers on exactly how much demand for local farm produce fell off during COVID?
Not assumptions, which can go either way, but data? I assume the Ministry of Agriculture have this in order to oversee the project?
Because you could assume, rightly or wrongly, that even though there is less demand for food on the island the demand for quality fresh local produce still outstrips supply as it has always done (just be a lesser amount). So actually there has been no reduction in market for local produce because of COVID. Just, perhaps, a shift, e.g., anyone selling to the Lighthouse Club now has to find another restaurant to wholesale to.
Literally feeding at the trough.
I hope no MP’s who are also own farming businesses on the side have given themselves any subsidies.
I think that if you are feeding animals this is a wonderful help, but for growing anything it is NOT needed. The farmers are selling their product even better now that we are in covid. Also they have nothing in stock and with 1 cashier it is a night mare to get through at AG.
They have also upped prices on everything so the money does not go far and they did this to compensate their self. Very Cheeky
The aim is to stimulate more interest in agriculture, strengthen the resilience of the farming community and generally promote sustainable agriculture and food security.
How can we when concrete is being laid in every section of this Island?
There can’t be a focus on agriculture with mass over development in the mix.
This is what it means by running your mouth. CIG gets nothing but approving more land to be destroyed and paved.
Unless you are an animal farmer, the DoA store has NOTHING worth buying or using your stipend on. There is nothing in there for crop farmers. It’s a waste having to drive all the way from West Bay, and back for nothing but an empty store. The monthly stipend is of no assistance to me as a crop farmer. WASTE OF TIME
My homegrown weed been keeping me floating
Keep ya handouts and empty promises. 25 a gram while unna fools keep it illegal and make the drug lords profit.
“25 a gram while unna fools keep it illegal and make the drug lords profit.”
That would make you a drug lord since you are selling illegally; no?
No stock for the commercial farmers! How do we survive?
No stock to buy anything. Sad.
The relief is well appreciated but would be nice if they have items in stock and stop rising their prices.
Keep spending, like there is no end to the money tree.
I’ll be pulling up to the trough for the 2nd time shortly!
50% of the people who got assistance are NOT farmers
It is disgusting DOA has no supplies because these are buying and reselling.
This is a damn disgrace. Covid relief? From what exactly? Having a captive market?
No matter what stupid opinion you might have, 12:43pm.
Can’t rely on that captive market to keep farmers afloat in Cayman.
Without tourists the farmers are royally @#£&.
Couldn’t figure out what the hell Covid had to do with farmers. How exactly were these “farmers” impacted?
COVID, borders closed, tourists stop, demand fall off – get it now dumbo @ 7:47am?
Can’t really fix stupid, can you.
SMH
12:04, keep spouting off insults since you obviously don’t have anything knowledgeable to share!
I can guarantee that tourists don’t make up any big portion of demand on local crops. With borders closed and residents forced to stay on island, maybe there’s even more demand in that area.
This is literally just another round of handouts.
You sound very much like a male Karen
So misinformed and on here spouting off garbage
Just never expected to be called out of it
Go away now little man