Agriculture and Jamaica’s Rural Poor
Jamaica may be a land of abundance, but its reliance on cheap agricultural imports is driving local farmers out of business.
Nearly a fifth of working Jamaicans are employed in the country's agriculture sector, but farmers are struggling to make ends meet because cheap imported products are driving down local food costs.
Like many other Jamaican dairy farmers, Oral Rayson is dumping thousands of gallons of milk down the drain because imported powdered milk has become a cheaper alternative for locals.
Imported food is cheap in Jamaica, benefiting consumers. But what is the costs for farmers who have lost their income?
Goat farmers in Jamaica must compete against cheaper imported meat from the U.S., but Ray Woodrow Blake knows his goats are one of a kind. He prides himself on their supremely sweet flavor.
Gateways
Student Fellow
Julia Rendleman grew up in southern Illinois. She graduated with a degree in political science from Loyola University New Orleans in 2002 and lived in New Orleans until 2004. For four years she...