JAMPRO Targets Investors at Agricultural Information Forum

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) will be hosting an Agricultural Information Forum on Tuesday (March 13), aimed at promoting investments in that sector.

The event, to be held at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in St. Andrew, is targeted at persons, who have a deep interest in the agricultural industry and those with projects and are seeking investors.

It will address matters including financing options for agricultural activities; traditional and non-traditional crop opportunities; land availability and suitability issues; marketing of agriculture products locally and overseas; and government initiatives and programmes to support agriculture such as the agro parks.

Speaking with JIS NEWS, Manager for Sales and Promotion at JAMPRO, Marlene Porter, noted that the forum will engage persons operating in the sector, companies that are looking for investment prospects, or persons who have land and capital and are seeking areas in the sector where they can invest.

“So, if you own property and want to identify a partner, this is a good opportunity. You can also use it as a medium to talk to financial institutions present to explore funding…so we are looking for persons, who are serious about doing business in Jamaica,” Mrs. Porter informed.

She said that there will be presentations from government agencies and private sector partners, who are integral to the development of the agricultural sector.

Key participating entities are the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC), which will provide information about the various programmes being undertaken such as the agro parks; Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) will highlight the technical and marketing support being provided to farmers and the incentives available; and the Tourism Linkages Network will show how agriculture can respond to the demands of manufacturing, tourism and other related sectors.

The Development Bank of Jamaica, National People’s Co-operative Bank of Jamaica and other financial institutions will provide information about the financing of agri-business ventures and general financial support available to investors in this industry.

Mrs. Porter said that JAMPRO will be sharing information on its efforts in promoting exports and the investment opportunities available in the local and international marketplace.

“It promises to be a very comprehensive programme and at the end of the day, we are seeking to engage persons to take a more serious look at this sector as the demand is there on the local and overseas markets,” she noted.

The forum will also demonstrate how private sector companies are successfully employing innovative approaches such as anchor farms/contract farming to grow their businesses.

Coming out of the forum, JAMPRO is looking to identify investment projects to package, promote and present to local and overseas investors.

“Agriculture is such a significant sector that has important implications for Jamaica in the area of gross domestic product (GDP), employment, rural development, and development of women and young people. We want our local investors to come out and look at the opportunities that exist, engage and network with the people, who are there and see how together we can build some of the ideas into huge prospects and projects for the country,” Mrs. Porter urged.

“So, we are saying things are happening in the sector and we are ready, set and let’s go!” she added.

The forum will last from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.