What’s the best place to stock up on fruits & vegetables on the drive from Montego Bay to Negril. Coming in July and worried that lots of places in Negril will be closed or not super stocked during low season. Thanks!
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What’s the best place to stock up on fruits & vegetables on the drive from Montego Bay to Negril. Coming in July and worried that lots of places in Negril will be closed or not super stocked during low season. Thanks!
Ask your driver. If it's Linston you'll have no problem!
Cap
You won't have a problem finding fruits and veggies.
On the way from Mobay to Negril you'll find at least one large market area in each town you pass through.
Around Negril...there are quite a few trucks selling fresh produce...just stop and check to see what they offer. There's also a regular market up the road behind Yellow Computers near the round about.
I find during the slow season (actually during high season also) the freshest produce can be found at Quality Traders aka the Green Store.
I suggest u bring a bag of limes from home. Limes can be difficult to
come by (in my experience).
You are not permitted to bring any fresh fruit or vegetable into JamaicaQuote:
Originally Posted by Ever72
Cap
True, Cap. You can’t bring anything back to the states with you either. Got busted by USDA trying to smuggle some guinips back with me.
I've been taking limes to Jamaica for over 6 years for the reason Ever72 stated plus the size difference. They are always in my carry-on so I am not smuggling them in. In March I took a dozen in a clear plastic bag. I put it in a bin at security check point. Many times when my bags are randomly inspected in Jamaica, the agents look at them and put them back in my bags. Never EVER a problem.
*Vi*...while they've allowed you to go through with your limes, I can promise you the Ministry of Agriculture is not happy with it and you're still technically not allowed to bring in fresh fruit or vegetables as Captain D has stated.
I watched a gentleman get into trouble for attempting to bring grapes into Jamaica, so I'm not sure why they were allowing your limes.
Here's the pdf for restricted items into Jamaica...
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/sites/d...on%20Items.pdf
Thanks all!
Thank you for your response, Bnewb. I respect everyone’s voice of concern regarding this subject. But how can they allow me to bring them, yet still be technically not allowed???
You see, I researched on-line seeking specific restrictions on bringing food to Jamaica. As a follow up to the research I asked Jamaican TSA agents (at least 4 different occasions) if it unadvisable or unlawful to bring the limes since I had them with me. Each time I was told it is not a problem to bring them for personal use. I was also told that the permit requirements and most restrictions, as stated in your attachment (last update 2015), are directed at merchants importing goods, including fruits and vegetables, for resale. Based on my “actual” experiences of never having my fruit confiscated and clarification received from those in authority, I’m not breaking importation regulations or violating restrictions…not even technically.
But then again, this is me along with many other folks who regularly take fruits and vegetables among other food products, to Jamaica with no problem…not even an official caution or warning. Therefore being this is a personal decision, from now on, I will only occasionally mention the crazy food items I take to Jamaica 3 times a year in my trip reports and not within a post on the general forum.
Vi,
There is a simple reason against bringing in fruits and veggies. The PDF that Bnewb linked states in the frequently asked questions section that the reason is, "To prevent the importation of pests and plant diseases which may be present in these produce which can pose a threat to our food security."
This mentions nothing at all about the importation for sale by importers, but has everything to do with protecting the local plants on the island from invasive pests and diseases that have no natural enemies on the island.
The agency personel to ask is not the TSA here or in another country, but the Jamaica Customs Agency, the folks who printed and posted online the official information about what is and what is not legal to bring to the island.
Because you and other people have not had their fruits and vegetables confiscated in the past is not a reason to do it in the future. Hopefully new visitors are finding this information helpful and some returning visitors will think twice before bringing in something that could possibly wipe out entire plant species in Jamaica.
*Vi*...if all those people are claiming/declaring their produce on the customs forms and the customs agent (not security) inspects it and allows it through...then I see it as allowed.
But, as I said...I watched a guy lose his fruit in a customs check & was reprimanded.
I've never brought in fruit or vegetables to any country...we've all heard about plants & animals wiped out/ harmed by foreign infestations.
And, I simply don't see a need with all the amazing produce available in Jamaica!
Would hate to start some crazy blight over a few limes.
Keep this in mind. Many airports keep track of who they take stuff from even if it is a minor issue like an apple in a backpack. If you ever sign up for the global entry program that stuff will pop up on the radar screen and you will be disqualified.
Eat, drink, and smoke the local stuff.
Jamaican limes are way better than the limes you get in most grocery stores in the states. The island limes are like the key lime, very tart although smaller. An Appleton and tonic with a Jamaica lime is to die for. Jamaica lime pie with condensed milk is unbelievable!! I imagine you can get as many limes as you want in the market in Sav-La-Mar.
Bnewb, on one visit, I did check the box “yes I am bringing fruit” on the customs form. I was pulled aside by a customs officer and asked for a permit. When I showed them my bag of limes, I was told NOT to check that box if the food/fruit is in my luggage or on my person. It was explained to me that question on the customs form is for vendors shipping produce/goods into the country that will or has arrived at a wharf. In which case, a permit is required.
Rob & Bnewb, I respect both of your views, however I lived this over and over. I would never come on this message board and relate an untrue experience. The only reason I contribute details about taking food to Jamaica is for people who, like me, are either on a travel budget, travel with children, have dietary restrictions or are extremely picky.
Wouldn’t you agree additional clarification COULD be provided for printed text? Thus the reason why some have a Q & A segment. However, what happens to an individual in real life is tangible proof. Rob, you do an excellent job of researching questionable statements or hearsay when it comes up. Since I am not the only one on this board who takes fruit to Jamaica without incident, would it not be worth it for Negril.com to simply confirm from a source other than a dated poster its actual interpretation? If I am wrong I will never encourage travelers to take fruit to Jamaica via this board.
*Vi*..I've already said it's up to customs to allow your limes or not and I don't think I said your story is untrue.
I can also only tell you what I've experienced...
I've called Agriculture Jamaica many times with these kinds of questions including the regular question about bringing in seeds (again which I don't understand bringing) and they have always said...fresh fruit, vegetables & seeds are not permitted.
If customs in Montego Bay are permitting the goods...maybe Agriculture Jamaica needs to have a chat with them...I don't know what else to say...except that
I prefer to respect the law (that I've read & been told) about fresh produce.
The produce in Jamaica is relatively cheap/affordable for a tourist and I don't see a need to take a chance bringing any with me.
Just a fyi...the poster you said is dated is from their 2018 website.
*deep sigh
Good grief. It's illegal. Don't bring it.
Many of us live in places where alien invasive species are raining havoc on native species and agricultural crops. The camp fire wood transport prohibition is an example many of us are familiar with.Quote:
Originally Posted by captaind
We love a bit of lime to put in our rum drinks and are almost always frustrated by the lack of them in Jan/Feb so next year, I'll just bring a plastic lime shaped dispenser of lime juice! Our friends have a sour orange tree in their yard that offers a local alternative and they make a mean margarita with them! Respect the ecology! --Marblehead
All produce imported into the US (and thus most anything leaving the US) has been treated to kill any potential organisms. And I think it's at best in poor taste for everyone to jump on vi about simply relating her experience. This kind of thing is exactly why I don't post here much at all (I realize nobody cares about that, but I can't be the only one).
If the actual customs official directly told her that it applies to commercial importers, that should at least be acknowledged. But all anyone seems to want to do is argue about it. It's a bad look.
I am sure that commercially grown and exported produce has been treated to kill potential organisms either into and out of Jamaica.Quote:
Originally Posted by TAH
The problem is the person picking a dozen (limes in this example) out of their backyard and taking them to Jamaica. This is what is illegal.
Here in Florida, that is how we got the last round of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly.
I don't dispute that, and that's why I used the word "most".
Which is why the practice of bringing fresh fruits and vegetables into Jamaica is illegal.Quote:
Originally Posted by TAH
How is someone to know whether the limes in question came from a commercial grower and not a freelance farmer?
Lot's of people bring illegal things into Jamaica and get them through for various reasons but they are none-the-less illegal.
Just pointing that out as she is not a commercial importer to the best of my knowledge.
I understand that. My main issue is that vi clearly related her direct experience (she's a trustworthy person), and her first person interaction(s) with actual Jamaican customs officials, and what they told her directly.Quote:
Originally Posted by Accompong
Anyhow, I'm bored with this. It's pedantic, and I don't care to continue the debate.
I hear you TAH. Vi is clearly a respectable traveler and a solid contributor to this board, so I have zero reason to doubt her experience. The challenge is Rob is obligated to communicate what is appropriate based on the fact that travelers read this site for advice, and if he let something ride that he knew was clearly against the law that reflects poorly on him.Quote:
Originally Posted by TAH
I attempted to go thru the proper channels to bring in beef a couple of years ago, and literally became incredibly frustrated with the buck passing when I contacted two different government entities that are the alleged approvers. In the end I gave up and chocked it up to typical government bureaucracy.
I like the suggestion of bringing in the little lime juice containers to get your fix. A little lime with your rum goes a long way.
LOL this is priceless! Since it’s a strong possibility the “she” refers to me I’ll state for the record that I am NOT a commercial importer nor do I have a plot of ground in my yard to harvest the vegetation/fruit I take to Jamaica. The commercially grown produce I take to Jamaica comes from either a Shoprite or WalMart grocery store…depending on competitive pricing of course.
Those who say it is “illegal” to take limes into Jamaica, I ask where is the penal code associated with this crime?? And why haven’t I been arrested or even worse….gasp…my limes confiscated by the custom officers/agents who fondle them?????
Okay this has gotten way too ludicrous to be considered serious by anyone. As TAH said, all I did was share my real-life experiences of taking limes to Jamaica without incident because it was mentioned in this post. And even after passing on information I received directly from a customs officer and suggesting a clarification of the issue be posted to help put this debate to rest, I’m now told it’s “illegal” and not to bring them???? Well at the end of the day, I’ll still take limes and squeeze them mercilessly over coconut meat (yummy) or into a glass to mingle with my rum. At the same time, you take what you want and I'll not judge you. But TRUST if I’m arrested, I’ll write about it in a trip report…once I make bail.
TAH I ADORE you to pieces.
Thank you Booger :)
Tah,
Everyone is allowed to share their experiences and knowledge, including Vi, Bnewb or any one here. Bnewb's personal experience has not been the same as Vi's. Bnewb was told and has seen something completely different from what Vi has experienced. Everyone should be entitled to their own personal experiences and I hope that you are not trying to insinuate that one experience is "more real" than another.
Getting back to the actual subject, there are many places to stop on the way to Negril from the airport and buy whatever fresh fruits and vegetables that you want. As for bringing them from your home country, nothing in anyone's personal experience changes the fact, as stated on the official Jamaica Customs Agency website, that bringing in fruits and vegetables is illegal. And the reason is to protect the local produce from harmful pests and diseases. Bringing fruits or vegetables to the island is illegal. Simple.
Whenever someone wants to persist in providing wrong information to others based on their own experience, then they should and will be challenged as their personal experience does not change the law.
Because of this, I have to disagree with your logic. It would be in poor taste to jump on Vi for her personal experience. But no one is doing that. Vi is being challenged for suggesting that others should break the law based on her personal experience. The reactions to her posts are appropriate and necessary because of this fact.
As I have stated before, I hope that new visitors as well as returning visitors think twice before bringing things to the island that are illegal and have the potential to harm the local ecosystem.
Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
Vi,
I do not find anything funny at all with this. More sad in my perspective. Since when is saving a dollar worth risking the agriculture of another country? Do you have so little regard for another country that you will disregard their laws in order to save a buck?
The ones who say it is illegal to bring fruits or vegetables to Jamaica are called the Jamaica Customs Agency. Since they wrote the laws and they are the ones to enforce it, I tend to use them as the source. The penal code associated with this is located in both the Customs Act and the Customs (Amendment) Act 2014. Here is the link to the wording on the Jamaica Customs Agency website:
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/customs-legislations
You may consider it ludicrous, but if you follow the number of eco-systems effected by invasive species, pests and diseases world wide then you would never call it ludicrous.
You say you asked for clarification about this. Bnewb posted a link for you from Jamaica Customs and you dismissed it. I gave you information and you dismissed it. Others have chimed and have also been dismissed. It seems that if the clarification doesnt agree with your experience so that you can bring in items that you should not, then it is dismissed.
Ludicrous? Interesting word...
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/sites/d...toms%20Act.pdf Page 89. #180. ......................."shall incur a penalty of one hundred thousand dollars, and all such goods shall be forfeited".
Rob,
The custom form reads:
"I am bringing: (a) fruits, plants, cut flowers, vegetables, soil, meat, live animals and organisms, honey, wildlife products, plant material, food, animal products or live birds. Yes or No"
Directly over the signature line, this can’t be ignored
"I declare that the information given at the front and reverse of this form is true and correct. I understand that the failure to make a full declaration is an offence and may result in fines, forfeiture of the goods and/or imprisonment. I also understand that I have the right to appeal. 6 Country of Issue: Other (Please state) (a) fruits, plants, cut flowers, vegetables, soil, meat, live animals and organisms, honey, wildlife products, plant material, food, animal products or live birds."
On the back,
"If you are in doubt, declare all your goods to the Customs Officer"
So instead of checking “no” which would not be the truth, I checked “yes” and listed the items. That’s when the customs officer explained to me that Question 13a is for merchants who import goods to the wharf for resale therefor an official permit is required. That made sense to me. Fruits, plants, cut flowers, vegetation in mass quantities can present potential infestations of some sort if they were not declared and inspected upon arrival. He was stern in telling me I was not violating any law and not to list foods, in this case limes, for personal consumption on the customs form.
How can you say I am “suggesting that others should break the law” when according to the experience I related I was told by the authorities who make the laws and are paid to enforce the laws inform me I’m NOT breaking the law? If anything I was guilty of wasting their time.
I know you are adamant about not tolerating wrong information to be posted on Negril.com. I definitely support that effort. When I realized, by Bnewb’s and your responses to my statements and my explanations, there was a possible conflict of the understanding of the “restriction” and who it is directed to I respectfully suggested you provide the reason customs (the law enforcers) allow me and many others to continually take fruit into Jamaica freely, without legal repercussions. Or perhaps ask a customs official to interpret that particular question on the customs form to see if it matches the one I received from a customs official.
IMO you receiving then communicating official clarification would be a more constructive way to administratively provide your readers with the correct information than to publicly accuse someone of doing something illegal.
Rob,
The ludicrous remark was not directed at you or Bnewb. I admit I wrote it out of frustration reacting to another comment and I do apologize for that. I took everything you both posted seriously and respectfully.
Hi Lady Vi !!!!
Rob,Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
I have tremendous regard for Jamaica. That's why I faced the custom official to make sure I wasn't violating any laws. My regard for the well-being of Jamaica is also evident in my trip reports. It's not about saving a dollar. Believe me, I spend plenty there.
LOL hello jojo my ray-of-sunshine :)
It would seem the customs officer you spoke with didn't know what he/she was talking about.
Cap
Rob,Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
I'm not at all suggesting that anyone's experience is more real than anyone else's. I just felt like you guys basically told vi that her experience wasn't valid. I've expressed similar sentiment on here in the past. You guys can come off as being pretty hostile to anyone who disputes something you say. I definitely understand the position that you're in, and I honestly appreciate the effort to get accurate info out there. My issue comes in how it's handled, on occasion. I think that drives away some people from your site, whether intended or not. Take that fwiw, or toss it out the window.
See, this comment is what I'm talking about above. It's how you handle things. Again, I get having a responsibility to inform, but a modicum of respect would go a long way. Vi has contributed a lot to this site over the years.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
Vi,Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
Now that we have gotten past the laughter, I am glad you mentioned the Immigration/Customs Form C5. This is the form everyone arriving in Jamaica fills out. It has changed slightly over the years, but always seems to collect the same information. This will be in depth because you want a full explanation. Before we get into the information provided by the actual government agencies and news outlets, lets examine the form C5.
Item 13 states the following, as you have in your previous post:
"13 I am bringing: (a) fruits, plants, cut flowers, vegetables, soil, meat, live animals and organisms, honey, wildlife products, plant material, food, animal products or live birds."
The Customs Officer explained to you that 13a is for merchants and not to list foods. Now lets look at item 16. Item 16 reads as the following:
"16 I have gifts or articles for resale"
Now reasonably this would apply directly to merchants as their business is having articles for sale. If 13a was meant for merchants and foods, why does item 16 exist. If both apply to merchants then this would seem like duplicate work for the Customs Officer.
If you look to the back of the form you will see 2 lines describing items 13 to 16. they read as follows:
"If you have checked 12A only and checked NO to 13, 14, and 15 or 16, please use the GREEN LINE
If you have checked YES in any of the boxes above, please use the RED LINE"
So if you have marked yes to 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 14, 15 or 16, you are to go to the Declare line for Customs. There is no differentiation made for items 13 and 16. Once again, if 13a applies only to merchants, then 16 would be duplication of work.
And below that is "If you are in doubt, declare all your goods to the Customs Officer." The form asks you to declare everything if you have any question about what is what. Obviously they want you, as a visitor to Jamaica, to be sure and declare all that is necessary. It doesn't appear like they consider that a waste of time.
Time to start looking at the information that has been posted on government websites. We could rely simply on the people we know, some friends, who work in Customs, but then you would not be able to verify that information. So to the source we go!
The Jamaica Customs Agency website under FAQ, item 6 states as follows:
"6. Why are fruits and vegetables restricted items? Ans: To prevent the importation of pests and plant diseases which may be present in these produce which can pose a threat to our food security. The requisite permit is needed before bringing these items."
So now we have written documentation from the JCA directly saying that fruits and vegetables are restricted as a security measure. No mention is made about merchants but more tourist personal use when you read item 1 in the FAQ:
"1. I would like to take with me my turkey and ham for my Christmas vacation, is this allowed? Ans: The importation of meats whether processed or not is restricted and will require a permit from our Ministry of Agriculture before importation."
So now meats have been specifically mentioned as restricted. Meats also happen to be mentioned in 13a. The above FAQ most certainly does not apply to merchants as the question is worded more from a tourist, or at best a returning resident after spending many Christmas' in foreign.
From the Jamaica Post (government snail mail) website, "Fruits, Vegetable, Plants & Plant Products" are listed as Prohibited Items along with meats.
https://jamaicapost.gov.jm/prohibited-items/
From the Jamaica Gleaner, November 2012, Restricted and Prohibited Items:
"The most popular items on the restricted list include (but are not limited to):
*Meat, animals, red peas, fruits, vegetables, plants/plant products, ground provisions, milk-based products which all require a Permit or Phyto Sanitary Certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture."
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...items_13109202
And from USA Today, Travel Tips:
"Certain items must have special approval to be brought into Jamaica. Any meat and animal products brought in must have certificates of inspection from the Government Veterinary Division or Ministry of Agriculture and an import license. Firearms, ammunition and explosives must be accompanied by an import permit and license. All plants, including fruits and vegetables, as well as soil must have a Phyto Sanitary Certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture."
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/items...ca-110145.html
There seems to be a pattern forming, and it relates to the restricted items mentioned in 13a, all of which apply to everyone and not merchants only.
The reason all this sounds repetitive is because they are all derived from the Jamaica Plants (Quarantine) Act:
http://moj.gov.jm/sites/default/file...e%29%20Act.pdf
Honey is another restriction in 13a. The Ministry of Agriculture said in 2015: "Illegally imported bee products, honey and pollen can introduce bee pests and diseases that will affect the health of the local bees stock. For example, if imported honey reaches the hands of the consumer and is used, usually the empty containers are disposed of as waste."
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Ministry--No-imported-honey--honeybee-products-allowed_19240109
Honey production can be harmed by disposed containers. This is why you cannot bring in your own honey.
Meats, live animals and animal products are also restricted in 13a and have their own importation restriction definitions: "ALL LIVE ANIMALS AND PRODUCTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN ARE SUBJECT TO VETERINARY CONTROL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ANIMALS (DISEASES AND IMPORTATION) ACT OF 1948. Travellers are required by law to declare all products of animal origin."
http://www.moa.gov.jm/VetServices/data/DOMESTIC%20IMPORT%20OF%20ANIMAL%20and%20animal%20p roducts%20document%20for%20NMIA%20and%20MBJ.pdf
Travellers are specifically mentioned in this quarantine notice. This notice covers non-commercial, domestic personal use importation, meaning no merchants. So now back to 13a.
Even if you dismiss the website words from the Jamaica Customs Agency as well as our own personal discussions with friends and other agents who work at the JAC, there are still many others that back up the fact that bringing fruits, including limes, is illegal for everyone and more than that, a simply dangerous thing to do for Jamaica.
You may not feel that a single person bringing in limes makes a difference. Even one can have an effect. Please read the honey link. But it isnt only one. If just one percent of the annual visitors to Negril bring in illegal fruits, that is over 5000 people! In the end is having to have limes from home when Jamaican lime juice is always available really worth risking the agricultural safety of Jamaica?
There will always someone that thinks the laws don't apply to them. smh