The National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation, (NAMDEVCO) has had a change of heart and has suspended the proposed increase of fees at the Norris Deonarine Northern Wholesale Market, Macoya.
An official statement from the company says the fees have been suspended until further notice.
NAMDEVCO came under fire for its plans to increase several fees paid by farmers and vendors at the Wholesale Market in Macoya.
Opposition Shadow minister for Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Ravi Ratiram, said the plan, which was due to come into effect on April 17, was a slap in the face of vendors and would have led to higher food prices.
Among the fee increases proposed were:
● Monthly/Daily Vendor Pass… From $20 to $40
● Weekly Barrowmen Fee… From $50 to $100
● Vendor Replacement Pass Fee… From $100 to $200
Farmers and vendors alike had warned that the fee increases would eventually be passed on to consumers.