450 Farmers and Agribusinesses to Benefit from Capacity-Building Programme

The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), in partnership with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) on Thursday (March 27), launched the Agricultural Sector Financial Literacy and Inclusion Capacity-Building Programme.

The $29-million initiative will provide targeted capacity-building programmes for 450 farmers, agri-business owners, and key stakeholders equipping them with the financial skills and resources needed to thrive.

Speaking at the launch of the programme at DBJ’s Oxford Road Offices, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges farmers face in accessing finance.

“If we are going to fix agriculture, if we are going to ensure that our farmers and our agricultural entrepreneurs will be able to maximise their potential, then they have to have access to finance. What we’re doing today is taking a definitive step towards solving that issue,” Mr. Green said.

The programme will also focus on enhancing farmers’ ability to manage their operations, monitor income and expenses, and ensure transparency in their transactions.

Minister Green urged the DBJ to address challenges related to loan requirements and interest rates, advocating for the use of non-traditional assets as collateral.

“Part of my request is to ensure that after we do the training, that we have a pool of funds that those farmers who have been trained can access,” Minister Green said.

“I think this programme is solving one part of the puzzle, ensuring that the farmers will have the relevant documentation. I think this will go a far way in unlocking significant financial capital for our agricultural sector,” he added.

Minister Green also called for collaboration to ensure that farmers can adapt to climate-smart technologies and capitalise on export opportunities.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of the DBJ, Dr. David Lowe, said agriculture is “not just an economic pillar of our economy, but it’s also the heartbeat of the nation’s resilience. I’m committed to ensuring that our farmers and agribusinesses have the resources and financial access that they need to succeed.”

“This is more than just a training initiative. This is about transforming mindsets and breaking down those barriers that have held back too many for too long… positioning agriculture not just as a tradition, but as a valuable, bankable business that can attract real investment and generate wealth creation,” Dr. Lowe said.