Buying local a two-way street

THE EDITOR: Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Minister Clarence Rambharat made a strong plead for all to support the local agriculture industry by buying fruits and vegetables.

I am in total agreement with this, especially with the current state of the economy and the lack of foreign exchange. But any level-headed person will want value for his money.

To pay $15 for six tomatoes not yet at the mature stage, $30 for an avocado picked too early, and top dollar for fruits at the point of rotting is asking too much. Our farmers, who I will always support, must realise that both parties in the trade must be satisfied. We need each other so we must treat each other fairly.

Farmers must be willing to negotiate with the buyer. I call this good business sense and it will encourage even more customers to the fruit and vegetable stalls. Again I reinforce Rambharat’s plea to buy local but let us work together for a win-win situation.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH

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