Increase in Coffee Production
By: , March 15, 2023
Photo: Adrian Walker
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (right), enjoys a sample of coffee cane juice during his visit to a display area set up by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) at a ‘Coffee Farmers’ Trade Day’ expo. The expo was held inside the Alfred Sangster Auditorium at the University of Technology (UTech), on March 14.
Photo: Adrian Walker
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., addresses a ‘Coffee Farmers’ Trade Day’ Expo at the University of Technology (UTech), on March 14.The Full Story
Coffee production increased by 5.1 per cent in 2022, when compared to the previous year, and is projected to continue an upward trajectory in 2023.
This was revealed by Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., while speaking today (March 14) at a ‘Coffee Farmers’ Trade Day’ expo, at the University of Technology (UTech) in Kingston.
The Minister informed that last year, a total of 251,296 boxes of coffee were produced. This consisted of 239,885 boxes of Blue Mountain coffee and 11,411 boxes of High Mountain coffee, with an export value of US$17 million.
In addition, Mr. Charles Jr. noted that the projection is for the current crop to yield 264,900 boxes, with 251,000 boxes being Blue Mountain coffee and 13,900 boxes being High Mountain coffee.
“So, we’re moving up in increments, and that’s a positive thing. This is an encouraging sign of growth and progress in the industry,” the Minister said.
He also thanked and commended the “hard-working, dedicated coffee farmers across Jamaica” who have contributed to the growth of the industry, while encouraging them to continue making strides.
The ‘Coffee Farmers’ Trade Day’ expo was one of several activities being held ahead of the sixth annual Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival, which is slated for Saturday, March 25.
The expo was attended by coffee farmers from Portland, St. Andrew and St. Thomas and was organised by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA), with support from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).
Tickets for the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival can be purchased online at www.touchstonelink.com or from authorised vendors, such as Blue Brews Bistro, Rituals Coffee House, Starbucks, Cannon Ball Café, Café Blue, Island Coffees Café, and Deaf Can Coffee. The prices are $5,000 for adults and $3,000 for children 12 years and older.