Whenever Randy Aaron goes on his farm and sees the thick layers of cherry on the ground, his heart aches.
Although he harvests at least 160 pounds of the fruit per day for sale, the majority goes to waste.
“If you come to my farm, you cannot see the soil under the cherry trees,” he told DNO in an interview. “It is covered with cherry.”
Seeing the cherries go to waste every year has farmer Aaron thinking and dreaming.
“My dream is to get agro-processing going in this country and I think we can start with coffee and cherry,” Aaron said.
He is now calling on other farmers to join him in making the dream come true.
“I am calling on farmers with coffee to please give it to Bello,” Randy stated. “For the good of the country and for the development of agro-processing I think Bello should be given the opportunity, always and at all times, to have coffee to process and have on the market.”
He argued that although farmers may get a better price from ‘some foreign entity’ for their coffee, if the local agro-processing industry is to be developed, farmers should be willing to make sacrifices.
“In the past we always used to see Bello coffee around but we are not seeing it anymore,” he pointed out. “That is an indication that farmers are selling to other entities. They might get a better price but for the good of agro-processing in Dominica, for our own good, I am begging farmers to sell their coffee to Bello and let it be processed locally.”
Aaron is convinced that cherry can be processed by Bello into syrups just like the others that the company produces.
The farmer stated he is so interested in having cherries processed in Dominica by Bello that he is willing to give the company as much of the fruit as possible, free of charge, to get the process going.
“I am prepared to give Bello all the cherries they require for their research and to make that product a reality,” he stated. “I will make it available free of charge.”
Aaron believes that if agro-processing gets going in Dominica, farmers will benefit. “Once farmers can sell their produce, it will encourage them to plant more and this will be good for Dominica on a whole,” he said.
Can someone tell me is this the same kind of cherry that grows in the USA? Or something different? I am moving to Dominica and I would love to grow some cherry trees too but I thought they need winter – like our apple trees. Maybe someone knows the scientific name of Dominica’s cherry tree?
Is this maybe the Barbados cherry: Malpighia punicifolia?
I am with Mr Aron we need a processing plant he is not the only one that have fruits wasting,we all do,see how much of the same fruitjuice we got here that we are importing truth.
randy man make juice and drink.so it is already
What a dream! It is a worthwhile one. Who would not fall for it? I can understand how the farmer feels when the sees all those cherries on the ground. He has an excellent idea. He has a mint on his land which could generate much revenue. He is also patriotic and not a greedy person. Yes! He can give Bello enterprise free cherries to perform research. Once their research is completed and Bello commences production obviously, he should charge for them. I hope Bello will take up the challenge.
The cherries could be sold nationwide. Cherries are nutritious. I would love to eat some of those cherries. I have a Cherry Cake recipe which I plan to make sometime.
They could also be used when baking cakes and making puddings and icecream. There are some other ways cherries could be used. A few of them are for appetizers, deserts, pancakes, cereals, jams, smoothies, shakes, even when cooking chicken.
If Bello does not agree or is unable to do so, then he will have to advertise overseas as in the Caribbean and elsewhere. Those enterprises could purchase the cherries for consumption and also for research.
Hats off to this generous farmer who is offering a local enterprise this opportunity. Bello you should grasp it without much ado. On reflex, if you can’t you could offer him advice on how he could get them sold profitably.
When Cherries are in its season in Canada–Ontario at least–they are very expensive even if we buy them strait from the their growers or from the grocery stores. I a surprised to read that that we have cherries in Dominica going to the waste.
The same is for coffee we do not get a 930 grams container of coffee for less than $25.00; half of that for over $10.00–this means that coffee is scarce where I now live.
“Once farmers can sell their produce, it will encourage them to plant more and this will be good for Dominica on a whole,” he said. News Article
Mr. Aaron, I agree with you, this has to be the farmer’s goal–to benefit from his work; a result that will keep him working for continues production.
I pray that your dream will be effected; and so, do not give up on the vision of your mind; make sure that our government and all those with the authority to help you and other farmers, in Dominica, to prosper in their work, as they will hear your voice and the dream that you have. It is a good dream for you and our Dominica
We need local and international market. As u know, Dominica is an agricultural country. Some people can grow and those who cannot grow, might have a friend or family member to give them. So even it is manufacturing or other wise, we need the Government and the minister of agriculture to step up and get international markets for these farmers produce.
Where these ministers come from? They forget that their parents, for parents an even themselves, that their lively hood and survival was and is still agriculture? Wake up Government, and smell the roses.
Does anyone know how much cocoa is produced in D/ca annually?
He needs to get the nets they spread out under the trees, tying the up off the ground, on polls around the trees easy simple and it works, if it can catch apples it sure can catch cherries, give it a try my farmer, every dollar counts.
This is an excellent idea. It is sad and disappointing that so many cherries go to waste.
or someone who resides close to him who has a computer.
I hope he has a computer and access to the Internet. If per chance he does not have one, I wonder if DNO could inform him
Coffee is certainly one way to get a Dominican produce on to the world market. Now that, could be a very big business indeed if there’s willingness to invest and proper introduction of the crop to farmers. It’ll be the new banana for Dominica- and pound for pound it is worth much much more- I highly recommend investment in to coffee, it’s probably the one and only crop that will be viable as produce for export to world markets.
While Mr. Aaron has a good idea for the processing of the cherries, it appears to me that in the interim he is very bad minded! How? Why? And where? In the name of all that is good and neighbourly should you allow the cherries to be wasted in this manner? While discussions are ongoing with Bello, the cherries should be sold in the local markets or donated to Operation Youth Quake, Grotto, the hospital, somewhere, but never never allowed to go to waste! Put some crockers bags under the tree for crying out loud! That picture really breaks my heart…go with God Mr. Aaron!
Anybody that have a cherry tree in their back yard will on any given day certainly wake to a sight like this. Stop being haters… Randy can only pick so much with so many hands. I love the idea about the nets at the bottom of the trees but trust me I have yet to see this old school technology being implemented in these modern times. Anyway cherry season almost done time we start think about our MANGOES before it pass and done also.
If is not Pat is Cherries!!!! LOL
Mr. Aaron, you are a farmer for crying out loud. You are a risk taker, and so you should not stoop to that level. Hope there is no malicious motive. Anyways, you should know the importance of self reliance. There is so much that can be done with the cherries to generate revenue. Agriculture is in demand, whether or not we like agriculture, pretty soon, many will be forced to go back to the land. Mr. Aaron, i wont publish my ideas here, since i believe entrepreneurship is the way to go, and know we have a nation where people are just waiting for ideas to steal. Mr. Aaron, stop complaining and start being creative. All the best.
I believe this is the way to go, we have so many fruits at a waste. Like mangoes all over the place. Mr Aron come to the Territory, lets make this work. This would be an income generating business for the people. Everything is just a waste. I always wanted to dry the fruits or boil make a syrup and bottle them for wet days. We can do a lot of stuff locally for the local market.
Mr Aaron if you were in amy other country besides Dominica you would be a multi-millionaire on cherries alone… you would have a brand name you would own trollers and private jets… on those cherries alone… shame on us here IN THIS HUNGRY COUNTRY!!!
mr aron link me up make cherry jam i can be a buyer and seller for u we could do some good business man.if u willing bello can make jam
That government can’t think further than their nose
I did not see any reference to Government in this article, so what is your point? Do you have cherries or coffee to sell?
famers please help Aaron and Aaron please insist with farmers its the real dream
OH LORDDDDDDDDDDD CHERRIES. WHERE U HEAR A FRUIT I LOVE. I LOVE A CHERRY JUICE BADDD. MR. Aaron. SEND ME SOME CHERRIES NA.
Mr. Aaron why do you need to process the cherries for Dominicans? A fresh serving of the fruit is better than processed cherry. Why don’t you try to get some assistance in packaging the fresh fruits and sell them on the local market/supermarkets as a start? And Dominicans buy and support your own! For heaven sake, as my parents would say, don’t you know by now that fresh fruits are way better than processed foods? I am not totally against processing Mr. Aaron, but I believe that the cherries can be consumed right in D/ca without processing – people can make juice, eat them raw etc – it’s better that way! Teach our people from an early stage- pre-school and primary, that it is better to eat natural foods. You know I use to feel bad when we didn’t have money to buy bread and I would have to eat roast plantain to go to school – but now that I am grown and know better, I realize the natural plantain was better than bread.
when you have sooo much cherries and it not selling what else you expect to do with them
The situation is that everyone has a cherry tree in their backyard.
The hotel and restaurant owners could also purchase them. He must do some local marketing or get someone to assist him. It is worth it.
Cherries are seasonal in Canada. They are sold in supermarkets/grocery stores and are expensive.
I often wondered if Dominica had cherries. If I know they came from Dominica, I would not hesitate to purchase them. Occasionally I purchase cherries and eat them. Dominicans should be encouraged to purchase them. The farmer could also sell them to hucksters who in turn will sell them to nationals where they reside.
I recall when Canefield was an estate, during the mango season people would go to a certain area of Canefield estate to pick mangoes and purchase them at a retail price.
They would obviously sell them at a higher price. That place had many grafted mango trees. When they were ripe they fell on the ground and rotted. This was a waste. I suppose that a decision was made by the owner/foreman to allow people to pick them and purchase them at a minimal cost. Those who went there could eat all they want while picking the mangoes. They were expected to be honest and not steal any. If they did and were caught they would be arrested. As they left the estate they paid for what they had in their baskets or bags.
This farmer should also try this. If he did, he would have few spoilt cherries or not as much as there are today. If he makes this known also through Radio, TV and DNO as a means of advertising, I am certain that many people will flock to his farm. First he should discuss this with the Minister of Trade or some other government official in authority to inform them of his intentions and ask for their advice. Dominicans should be informed that cherries are nutritious. The fruits and vegetables are not grown without reasons. All are nutritious.
Mr. Aaron have profit in Bello man. And I think u let the cherry fall on purpose to let people think it wasting. Not a man like you.
That is a very silly comment. I have three cherry trees and it really hurts my heart to see the cherries under the trees even if I pick regularly, make cherry juice and give away parcels of cherries to friends,family and some needy people. T fully endorse what Mr. Aaron proposes. We should try to do the same with mangoes which litters gardens, yards and even roadsides
What a silly, negative, insulting and rude comment. What is your mind made up of? What does it contain? You are not a nice person. You sound as if you are an unhappy and bitter person. Have respect for especially the farmer.
give the cherry to the hospital and home for the elderly, not prison let them grow their own cherry
In this case, do not discriminate against them. They are people too. When certain bakeries had too much bread, some of which were not sold, the prison would get some. There is nothing wrong in giving them what is in excess. It is an act of charity if done in a godly spirit.
Of course they can grow their own if there is enough land. I suppose they grow some vegetables for their own consumption. There would be nothing wrong with it if they had too much and the rest was sold at the market. Ever thought of that?
Justice check out the icon at the end, dont take this too seriously it was a joke.
Where is Mr. Aaron from? I need to contact him re this.
morne prosper
Mr. Aaron this is very admirable of you and very forward thinking. The only issue is whether a company or individual can trust farmers to always have a ready supply of produce at a price that allows them to run a profitable business.
From talking to a merchant who at some point in time imported produce from Dominica. I was thinking of getting into the business. What he told me was, everything goes welll with the first order and then you dont know whether they are going to fill subsequent orders. In short reliability is a problem. Therefore if one were to invest in argo-processing Dominican friut, are there program in place to ensure there will be sufficient stock to keep the plant running. Another thing, how is to say that the Domincan farmers would not one day say it does not make financial sense to supply at a price that will make the agro-procesor a success (at their expense). Unless these conditions are addressed, I believe any investment in agro-processing will be very risky. Bello is having just that problem right now (reliable supply).
From my experience in talking to farmers from other places, Domincan farmers don’t regard themselves as businessmen. They are good at what they do, but fall short on the business end.
This is what Dominica is made for agriculture NOT kissing tourists behinds. The tourist don’t even spend money and they should be treated like a side gig. Agriculture is the way to get this economy going and until this incompetent Pm recognize this Dominica and Dominicans will continue to struggle. There should be a focus on what will be produce , for whom and where it will be sold.
who u going and sell d produce for, u cant realy on on sector to grow a country we need tourism just as much as we need agriculture, manufacturing, sports etc…
mean while a long white building is just there wasting away in Geneva grand bay. Why can’t astaphans or one of the big shots invest in a juicing company. mango season is here now just drive around to see the amount of wasted mangoes.
Tourists do not spend money? If they do not, or some of them do not, one reason may be the high cost. Then those who sell them should be pleasant to them. A pleasant smile and a greeting goes a long way. This is what could also cause people to purchase their goods.
You should know that the tourist expend a lot of money for their fare and preparing for their trip. I do think their main interest is sightseeing.
Ask yourself, how much do Dominicans who reside abroad spend in Dominica when they visit? Barrels of items are sent down from the country they reside in. The items are purchased abroad and then pay for transportation to Dominica. When the barrels arrive they could pay Customs as much as $200 or probably more. This is expensive. I wonder if it would not be better to keep the money and upon arrival purchase certain items in Dominica. Dollar for dollar, the exchange especially for Canadian and US dollars will yield more dollars in Dominica. This would be good for Dominica’s economy. Consider this and be fair to the tourists.
I think he should maybe start doing his own thing as well..Cherry juice,cherry jam.pickled cherries,cherries in syrup.cherry syrup.dried cherries.cherry rum punch.cherry punch.Get a big pot and cook the cherry slowly.Add sugar and spices including a little ginger.bottle when cold and sell.
Great suggestion! Years ago that would be easy to do, but nowadays there are numerous hurdles involved like insurance, quality control, inspection, packaging, advertising, storage and the list goes on.
Although Bello already has resolutions for these hurdles, having a “Farmers’ Union” might be a better way to go. United we stand.
That s a wonderful idea! I shall certainly try a few of your ideas. Cherry cake is great too.
Well said Mr. Aaron. God bless your heart. Dominicans needs to develop Dominica and it takes a man with a good heart like yours to get the ball rolling. Too many of our fruits are going to waste and not much is being done, apart from Bello processing Dominicans needs to drink more of the local juices. They should buy a blender a make juice from all our local fruits (namely guava, cherries, mango, golden apple etc) instead of giving their children imported box drinks for their snacks at school.
I live in an agricultural area. I do not know if this farmers has thought about drying the cherries and packaging as dried cherries. His goal should be to market his product under his name to sell to tourists. Dried fruit lasts a long time.
http://www.cherrylaneorchards.com/index_files/Page339.htm
sounds good..lets put that to work now..lets go bello, farmers and all those interested..i don’t have cherry or coffee tree but i support u 100% i know persons with cherry tree that popooing so i will tell them. God bless.
Randy cherries go out of season very qyuickly. Why don’t you freeze the cherries in bags. Once they are frozen you can still sell after
Cherries spoil very fast too. As soon as they are picked, they must be cleaned,washed and frozen or used right away.
amen amen and amen
great idea
spend more time THINKING AGRI than NONESENSING IN PALITRICKS
Rally your troops and set up a CHEERY COCO & other products cooperative
Best wishes
Mr. Aaron, don’t give away your product for which you’ve worked hard and sweated profusely. You know folks, it’s situations like these that really bother me, because there are solutions to this – we need people to identify these issues before they arise and plot a strategy to accomplish the goals. This is where DEXIA should come in – this company is failing the people of Dominica because they are not living up to their mandate. Aren’t they supposed to be assisting in the development of our economy? Isn’t this one such avenue ripe for development? How about packing these cherries in clamshell see-thru mini containers for distribution to supermarkets in the OECS. I think that can be accomplished – why not try it. Mr Aaron may not know how to lay his hands on clamshell containers, but someone at DEXIA should know how to source these items. I’ve been in the food sales/marketing/distribution business in NYC for the past 20 years – it’s time for the government to start bringing us back home – stop talking about diaspora affairs and bring the diaspora home – they bring knowledge, experience and business contacts, and they increase the tax base, which lowers it generally for all
The Government should bring you all home?? They sent you all somewhere? So you are saying that the taxpayers should bring you down?? Just seeking clarification.
OK let me clarify. For starters let me say that if I was the one running InvestDominica, this is a strategy i’d employ. I would treat/consider diasporans, not all but some, almost like they are foreign investors, but ones that come with major benefits that do not come with the foreign ones. While the generic “foreign investor” brings with them capital to establish an entity and create some employment, the facts are they take their money back to their home and if they feel at some point that they’re done, they will pack up and leave. That’s not likely to happen with a diasporan – where they going? They home already.
(1) I’d instruct all Dominica consulates to assemble a list of Dominicans and their professions wherever they live. Keep in touch with them and have them engaged in some way with activities back home.
(2) Identify industries in Dominica that the government can lay the foundation for its creation or spur further development – e.g. tourism, agriculture, business services.
(3) Target and recruit specific diaporans who have the expertise in a particular industry to return and manage some aspect of that business. I would look specifically for migrants because they would have the strongest affinity to the island and would be far more likely to desire to return than those born overseas. These diasporans come with knowledge, expertise, perspectives, contacts from 1st world countries in how to manage and operate businesses in a global environment. They also know how to speak the language of business as it’s done overseas. These are skills that cannot be attained in Dominica – you have to be in it to get it. I’d focus on 40, 50 & 60-year olds, because that group would have the most experience, have many years ahead of them that they could use to train our local kids graduating from DSC, monies earned stay in DA, and they’re not likely to pack up and leave again – they’re not going to move back to a cold country to retire. Now, to recruit them, i’d continue to offer the duty-free packages the government offer returning citizens, but i’d go a step further. The government grants foreign investors preferential tax status – give that to the diasporan too – no income tax from their check for 10 years. You see, one of the issues is compensation – the diasporan has to deal with reduced pay so if you offer no income tax, then their check is much bigger. Also, offer them shares in the business – now they’re essentially working in their own interest. Offer them incentives to build homes. These are things given to the foreigners, give it to the diaporans and bring them back home to help those at home move the country forward.
what is so hard about a simple processing plant in D/ca why can Barbados do it and we cant, Good save Dominica,,i have faith one day one day..Hold strong Mr Aron
Isn’t there a fruit processing or juicing plant in Dublanc? Can’t the cherries be processed /juiced and bottled there as is done with the oranges? I have seen bottled juice with beautiful lables from that plant>
So randy cannot put some small nets or sheets like my grandmother use to do to catch those cherries. He can give them away if he cannot find sale for them.
I agree with the nets, but give them away? Are you serious?! That’s the problem with some of you Dominicans, you will pay for foreign things, but you don’t don’t want to support local.
I agree with the nets, but give them away? Are you serious?! That’s the problem with some of you Dominicans, you will pay for foreign things, but you don’t don’t want to support local.
I someone could identify some unique nutrients on the cherry, say that good for kidney, cancer, male enhancement etc, that would be the biggest sale pitch. I believe that each fruit has some uniquely good quality, and if identified – this alone with create the market…how about working with a nutritionist, or guys the St. Lucian bush doctor? (I know this is not bush- but he is a guy knowledgeable in plants and the benefits).
You can do a google search on cherries for the same info. Very high in vitamins and other nutrients. Here’s just one of many sites http://www.organicfacts.net/nutrition-facts/fruits/nutritional-value-of-cherry-and-strawberry.html
You could also get a juicer or a blender, a few young men to pick the cherries and a few young ladies to clean and make juice , bottle it and sell local organic cherry juice.
My heart aches I love cherry juice. perhaps someone can volunteer to help pick the excess and you can take them to the grotto home, hospital or non profit organization where it can be utilized or else u’d need a huge freezer to freeze them and when hey are out of season make cherry juice and sell. Have you contacted the hotels and restaurants to purchase them. Since a lot of people love locally made drinks perhaps you can sell to them. Oh I’d drink cherry juice with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
This is soo positive! Please support Mr.aaron.
Mr. Aaron should also supply some cherries to the j.icin faciliy at Dublanc. Contact person is Mervin Thomas at DEXIA.
Just do it Randy and stop the talk.Why did you let all the cherries fall to the ground and then take a pic?You should have harvested and sent to Bello and get your other Talking Farmers to join you in supplying Bello.
He farming and talking and you just flipping begging. Some of you are so darn rude with nothing to back it up. Take your lazy, hungry’ no good begging butt to Morne Prosper and pick it up because you know darn well and folly you can’t afford to buy a pound of cherries. The red clinic money can barely put enough light on your card. Sakway gas with some of you.
You vex man.I have cherries selling with no talk nuh!Also more than cherries, dasheen,plantain and all other produce so shove it.
I believe that is a great idea, wish you well.drinking local is always best
Hello Mr. Aaron,
Subsidies is a big part of the answer.
Few farmers will leave $2 a pound to sell to Bello for $1.75 per pound.
The government has to subsidize the farmers / agr processors so that they can compete on the international market, and more money will then remain in Dominica.
The farmers need to make very good use of all the assistance they get from the government and other agencies. No matter how little or much they make, they are exempt from paying taxes.
jesus of nazareth..for how i love a cherry juice.
my panda if u like it more than me u like it eh….. lol hahahaha
That should be a priority!
send the excess to the market and give it away for free instead of letting it waste under the trees.
every true we need one of this things in dca