SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Jamaican banana farmers whose fields were wiped out by tropical storms last year are getting a last chance at government funds to help them pursue other agricultural projects.
The European Union and Jamaica's Rural Agricultural Development Authority have agreed to distribute $136,000 to farmers selected for the economic viability of their projects.
Agriculture Minister Christopher Tufton said Friday that it is the final handout of $5 million in EU funds intended to help farmers.
Tropical Storm Gustav damaged four-fifths of Jamaica's banana fields in August and caused more than $1.4 million in agricultural devastation.
Some banana farmers begun raising goats, producing honey and growing hot peppers.
