Banana farmers ask for support to continue
Banana farmers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have expressed their thanks to government for the assistance given to them in their time of need, and have asked for the budgetary support to continue.{{more}}
The letter, dated October 24, came from Winfarm Investment Company Ltd., and was signed by Henry Keizer, Manager of the company.
Keizer said he was directed, on behalf of the Farmers, to say thank you to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and the government âfor the initiative to give continuing and further assistance to Banana Farmers, in this their time of great need, following the destruction of their banana crop by the dreaded Black Sigatoka Leafspot diseaseâ.
The letter said the prime ministerâs commitment to allocate over EC$4.0 million to ensure that a robust spray control regime is maintained for 2012 is also âvery commendableâ.
Keizer said that the governmentâs Budgetary support of $100,000 over five months to May 31, 2011, allowed them to remain in operational existence, and he appealed to the Prime Minister for the continuation of support of $20,000 a month, âin order for us to remain in a reduced state of operation to guide the Farmers over this difficult periodâ.
Keizer explained that the significantly reduced production of bananas has put Winfarm in a precarious financial position.
âSince exports resumed in June 2011, we continue to effect losses in spite of our reductions in expenses. Fiscal 2011 over Fiscal 2010⦠including reducing working hours by 50% for 50% pay per monthâ.
He was however optimistic about the future, and said banana lends itself to quick recovery as it is a very resilient crop.
âThe assistance and support will go a long way to restore Farmer confidence and commitment and the rebuilding of the Industry on which so many livelihoods depend.
âHistory will record that never in the over 50 years of the existence of the Banana Industry that a government has responded to, and given so much support and assistance in quantum and frequency amidst this global Financial crunchâ¦and it will be remembered with reverence for a long time to come,â Winfarmâs letter said.