Above: a produce market in Charlestown, Nevis (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Nevis Agriculture Director Keithley Amory is urging local farmers to adhere to the department’s planting schedule to avoid a glut on the market and ensure year-round availability of produce to consumers.

Nevis’ agriculture sector has grown in recent years, particularly as the island’s hotels and resorts look to local farmers to supply their restaurants.

The Four Seasons Nevis’ “Farm to Fork” programme, for example, puts an emphasis on locally-sourced produce.

Amory said he wanted to ensure consistency of supply on the island.

“In this way, we are able to supply the hotels and the restaurants with all the material that they need at any given time,” he said.

According to Amory, with a proper crop-scheduling programme, the department would be able to bring an end to any marketing and consistency problems and give farmers the opportunity to benefit from good farming practices.