Some farmers accused of price gouging in wake of dry spell

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Donovan Stanbury, says there is no justifiable reason for the doubling of farm gate prices. The magnitude of increase is not in keeping with the inputs and he promises that the buying public will be saturated with information on where to make purchases.  The Ministry is looking at strategies to help protect consumers from price gouging.  The Ministry will be working with the Consumer Affairs Commission to provide information on farm gate prices.

 

Consideration is being given to placing the information on the Ministry's website. On Monday our sister station, TVJ, reported that farmers in St. Elizabeth have warned that further increases in the price of  ground produce are coming as they have been battered by the prolonged dry spell.

 

In the meantime, Mr. Stanbury says given the current situation consumers may have to make tough decisions.