The Newfarm Forums

[jennifer green]

i am looking to export selected produce from jamaica to the US... all produce is organic and planted with love... how do i go about soliciting distributors?

[Dave]

Jennifer,
I would guess that since most growers/producers here are more into supporting the community with thier produce you might not get the information you are looking for, after all this is what NAFTA did to the family farms. I wish you good luck.

[Eric Deci]

I don't have any ideas, really. Most of us work so locally that we don't come in contact with a real 'distribution' network of any sort. We have a regional grocery chain called Wegmans that likes to stock organics and unusual things and I have heard they are sort of open-minded to new ideas and things. I don't know what issues come along with international trade, though! How much and what sort of products do you grow?

[jennifer green]

[ed]

Jennifer just an idea, but you might try going to the Greenglobe21 website which is an organization that certifies hotels around the world that meet their standards of ecotourism. In Jamaica there are quite a few including all of the Sandals properties. Part of the certification process is that the hotels have to rely on local sources of supply whenever possible. It may be worth a try particularly since you are organic. Another source for hotels in Jamaica that green oriented would be CAST which is part of the Cariibbean Hotel Association. Our experience has been most of the hoteliers love the green ideas, but reluctant to pay anymore. You are local and your experience may be different. Good Luck