3 months ago
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GraceKennedy Limited is currently piloting a new organic fertiliser, which makes use of waste generated from its agro park operation in St Elizabeth.
David Crum-Ewing, operations executive at GK Foods & Services Manufacturing Division, says the new product is being tested among farmers who supply produce to the company’s Hounslow facility.
“We have not yet begun full-scale production. Currently, the product is being tested at the Grace Agro Processors Agro Park in Hounslow, St Elizabeth and by a select group of farmers who supply produce to our business,” said Crum-Ewing.
“The fertiliser is derived from organic waste generated at the factory – primarily escallion, callaloo, and pepper – which goes through a bio-digestion process to create the fertiliser,” he told the Financial Gleaner.
He previously spoke of the plan to the waste into fertiliser as well as insecticides in mid-April at the release of the confidence indices and accompany forum hosted by the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce.
Crum-Ewing said then the new products would be provided at minimal cost to its network of farmers.
“At present, we have the capacity to produce approximately 660 gallons (of fertiliser) every two weeks, which is sufficient to treat about 10 acres. Depending on the outcome of the trial, we may consider expanding production,” Crum-Ewing said.
Under the trial, about 20 farmers have so far made use of the product.
The new organic fertiliser is intended to complement the fertilisers currently used by Grace Agro Processors’ farmer network, and not to replace them.
The conglomerate will determine whether to produce the fertiliser commercially, based on the results of the pilot.
“We see strong potential to market this product. Timelines will depend on the results of the pilot and overall market demand,” Crum-Ewing said.
While the fertiliser made from agricultural waste is termed organic, Crum-Ewing said the market response will determine whether the company pursues formal organic certification.
He declined to comment on the production costs and potential savings from the venture at this time. The company’s current workforce is equipped to support the pilot and early production needs of the initiative, he said.
The local fertiliser market is dominated by Newport-Fersan Jamaica Limited, which operates the only plant for granular fertilisers in Jamaica. There are other suppliers of fertiliser who import the finished product for distribution.
Other producers have developed natural fertiliser products for the local market, but on a small scale.
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