Coconut on the upswing

Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer

WHAT DOES a thriving housing market in the United States (US) have to do with the local coconut industry? Nothing, you would think and you would be wrong.

The demand there for coconut seedlings (dried, mature nuts) fluctuates in sync with the state of the housing market, according to general manager of the Coconut Industry Board, Yvonne Burns.

She explained that while Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals in the US value the coconut for its refreshing drink and as a vital ingredient in rice and peas, the majority of American spurn these uses and instead put a premium value on the commodity for its decorative value.

For years Jamaican artisans have used the dried coconut (shell and husk) to create works of art and craft including jewellery, dolls and figurines and, in most local resort areas, a cottage industry has evolved.

Now Jamaican craftsmen in the US are looking to capitalise on this niche market. So high is the demand for these items that export of dried coconut is now emerging as the best source of income for the industry.

"This, along with our income from Seprod," Burns told The Sunday Gleaner.

sales rising again

The Coconut Industry Board's general manager noted that the decorative items have taken off with new homeowners in the US. Consistent with the recession in that country, sales had fallen off over the past two years, but the sale is on the rise again with four batches exported since the start of this year.

While not providing figures, Burns, who has held the top post since January, said the new health trend, which has seen coconut water being promoted as a drink of choice, has also contributed to an upswing in the sales.

He noted that following years of negative publicity, coconut oil is also regaining its popularity with householders.

In fact, Jamaican farmers in St Mary and St Thomas are cashing on this by producing 'Virgin' and 'Organic' oil.

Using high-tech machinery, the farmers produce 'pressed' oil which means it is extracted from the nut, as against the traditional method of boiling.

That things are looking up for the coconut industry now is due in large measure to extensive work being done across the island by the Coconut Industry Board whose mandate is to ensure a consistent supply of healthy seedlings and nuts to meet local and international demand.

lethal yellowing

In recent years, the lethal yellowing disease - for which there is no cure and the method of transmission is still not fully understood - has dealt a serious blow, with large acreage, especially in eastern Jamaica, being devastated.

The board has monitoring teams which, once it identifies affected plants, go in and speak with the farmer and help with the cutting and disposal of affected trees by burning or burying.

It also has an ongoing public education programme where persons are encouraged to help in the identification of affected plants.

The devastating impact of lethal yellowing over the years has sent a number of established coconut growers packing, but the board has been reaching out to them and new farmers with an impressive incentive package.

The board has also ventured into non-traditional coconut growing parishes such as Trelawny.