Commercial banana and plantain farmers in Jamaica will be able to benefit from the $38-million Catastrophe Fund established by the Banana Board. The fund supports the recovery of farmers in the industry affected by natural disasters.
General manager of the Banana Board, Janet Conie, has stated that the board has been visiting communities to encourage registration. "We have been going out and educating farmers about the fund so more of them can participate. Participation has been increasing over the last five years. We are hoping that more farmers will take part so that where there is major damage, they can benefit," she said.
The Catastrophe Fund was developed mainly for export farmers in 2007, seeded with funding from the European Union valued at $31 million and funds from farmers valued at $7 million.
Source: jamaicaobserver.com