Our Story
Oral and Allison Turner, a dynamic couple married for over 21 years. After months of experimentation, they created the Sorrel Harvesting Machine, revolutionizing the labor-intensive process of harvesting Sorrel/Rosella Hibiscus. Their journey took a pivotal turn in 2010 when they introduced their prototype to the then Minister of Agriculture, Sir Roger Clarke (deceased) leading to crucial support from the Development Bank of Jamaica. With business training from the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurs and partnerships with venture capitalists like First Angels Caribbean, the Turners have built a strong foundation for their innovative venture.
The Turner family has been recognized for their remarkable contributions to the field of science and technology in the sorrel industry. Their innovative invention earned them the prestigious 2015 Gleaner Honor Award in Science & Technology. Additionally, they were awarded the National Innovation in Science & Technology Award in the category of Agriculture, & Agro-processing in both 2014 and 2016. Their commitment to excellence has also been acknowledged by The National Bakery Program as one of the 'New Champions of Manufacturing' in 2016, and they received The 2019 Golden Award from The St. Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation Ltd. for their outstanding service in agricultural innovation.
January 2018, the Turner team dedicated their efforts to refining their invention, aiming to make it commercially viable both small and large farmers. Field testing uncovered unexpected challenges that impacted yield and cost, which they were determined to tackle. With ongoing support from investors, they developed a solution that not only increased yields beyond previous methods but also reduced manufacturing costs, allowing for greater savings for sorrel farmers. By December 2024, they proudly launched the first 10 Oral Turner™ Sorrel-seeding machines, generating global interest from over 54 subtropical countries eager for this innovative solution in the fast-growing sorrel industry.
The Turner team launched it's first 10 advanced semi-automated units in 2024. They formed a successful partnership with 10 selected sorrel farmers in a pilot program offered at exclusive discounted rates. The feedback has been highly favorable, with partners from Australia and Jamaica emphasizing the significant impact on their operations. In response to this success, the Turners are currently in the process of manufacturing an additional 20 units, which will include new upgrades for further field testing. We invite you to stay tuned for updates as we continue to enhance the capabilities of our machinery.