Treasure Beach
Ital
Farmers
Association

Providing Organic Produce to the Community of Treasure Beach
• Founded in January 2006, The Treasure Beach Ital Farmers Association (TIFA) consists of a group of local farmers committed to growing the cleanest, healthiest food possible without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides.

• The farmers of TIFA are progressive people who care about the well-being of their community, the surrounding environment, and future of food production in Jamaica.

• TIFA farms produce on primarily small plots of land, averaging approximately 1.5 acres each. TIFA farmers organic farming methods that draw on the traditional farming legacy of the area.

• Treasure Beach is located in the parish of St. Elizabeth, an agricultural area that is often referred to as the “bread basket” of Jamaica. The people of St. Elizabeth know the land and feed the people of Jamaica. However, over the years, the rich, “red dirt” soil of St. Elizabeth has become depleted by the overuse of potent agricultural chemicals. TIFA farmers recognize that now is the time to employ a different system of farming--a system that respects the environment, renews the health of the land, and provides organic food to the people of Treasure Beach.

The Current Activities of TIFA Include:
• Creating a market for organic produce and establishing a living wage for TIFA farmers by forming direct partnerships with local hotels and restaurants.
• Setting up a weekly farm stand in the community selling strictly organic produce.
• Growing TIFA to include more members across St. Elizabeth and to promote awareness of organic agriculture in Jamaica.