Agricultural Stakeholders Critical to Implementation of JACRA Platform

Agricultural stakeholders will have a key role to play in the implementation of the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) traceability and regulatory platform.

The blockchain-based platform will allow international consumers to review, locate and authenticate information about farmers and other stakeholders involved in product development, from anywhere in the world.

Blockchain is a secure method of verifying the identity of users and devices in a digital environment.

Addressing a recent JIS Think Tank, Public Relations and Communications Specialist at JACRA, Kenrick Morgan, said that the platform, which will be rolled out later this year, is part of efforts to protect brand Jamaica.

“But this can only be achieved through a combination of JACRA’s work that we’re doing with the help and support of our valued stakeholders,” he noted.

He also said the new platform will address long-standing issues that participants in the sector face.

“We know that our farmers have issues with identification; they have issues with bank accounts and things along that line. Those are things that will be built into this platform but, as mentioned, we need the support of our stakeholders to ensure that that is done,” he said.

“So, I’d love to use this opportunity to let our stakeholders know that we’re committed to working with you for the implementation of this platform and for the betterment of the agricultural industry. We can’t do it alone, we need you, the persons who are out there, on the ground and in the fields with us, to ensure that we hold each other’s hands as we walk down the trail,” he said.

JACRA was established for the development, regulation, and standardisation of the coffee, cocoa, coconut and spices industries.