Organic Food in Jamaica

[KarenS]

From a news release:
Located in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Treasure Beach is an agricultural area that is protecting its environment from depletion by the overuse of potent agricultural chemicals. TIFA gathered all local farmers dedicated and committed to Slow Food and who recognize the importance of deploying a different system of this farming; Slow Food is a system that respects the environment, renews the health of the land, and provides organic food to the people of Treasure Beach. With the instrumental support of Breds, founded in 1998 by Jason Henzell, president of Island Outpost and general manager of Jake's, and through the local community's commitment to uplift the Treasure Beach agriculture and local farming, TIFA was uprooted in January 2006.

"The farmers who are currently a part of the program are hard working human beings who strive to change the current agricultural system in Jamaica to one that is cleaner, healthier, and more delicious without the use of pesticides, synthetic chemicals or fertilizers,” said Liz Solms, agricultural activist and TIFA founder.

Slow Food, founded in 1989, counteracts fast food and fast life. A farmers' main purpose is to produce food in a way that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or the health of its residents. They are not only producers of this process but also active supporters of those who partner with them. As a model for community development throughout the world, Jamaica and specifically in Treasure Beach, Island Outpost's Jake's is proud to be the destination's first organic and local agricultural hotel partner. This boho-chic resort and hotspot for the naturalist, purchases Slow Food products and creates natural, culinary dishes for the most discerning palate. Even if the premium for organic food is considerably higher, the nutritional value is far greater. The social responsibility and determination that Jake's has are key components for supporting the local farmers in generating such a sustainable community.
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Karen for Caribbean-On-Line.com