Agriculture Ministry Working to Facilitate International Trade

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is reaffirming its commitment to Jamaica becoming a major export hub for agricultural produce and enhancing the country’s competitiveness on the global market.

Chief Technical Director in the Ministry, Orville Palmer said this, however, will require a further strengthening of relationships among local exporters.

“The world today is more competitive than it has ever been. Food security is more important than it has ever been. So, if we do not take being internationally competitive seriously, we will not have an industry to pass on to the next generation. Therefore, every activity that we do in Jamaica, especially when we are geared towards export markets, has to be internationally competitive,” Mr. Palmer stated.

He was speaking at the second New Face of Food Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum held at the MEET Conference and Events Centre on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in Montego Bay, St. James, on Thursday (March 28).

Mr. Palmer also expressed confidence in Jamaica’s resilience and credited the country’s current crop of exporters for continuing to seek out new information, as well as innovative ways to spur the export market.

He also acknowledged Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, and other technocrats in the Ministry, for providing the necessary support both in the field and administratively, to maintain local agricultural growth by increasing domestic crop production, particularly yams, sweet potato and hot peppers.

“It is also important for the Ministry to continue to meet with you, our valid exporters, and other stakeholders who play an important part in moving our domestic crops into regional and international markets,” Mr. Palmer said.

“The Ministry will not overlook the critical role that our export stakeholders play on a daily basis in moving agricultural produce around the world. We are also aware of the challenges that exporters are facing and the Ministry is committed to solving these problems,” he added.

He also stated the need for continued investments and partnerships to further boost the agricultural sector.

The forum served as a platform for the Ministry to engage with exporters and stakeholders, demonstrating its dedication to supporting and promoting Jamaica’s agricultural growth in the international marketplace.