The Government has allocated $100 million to support 4,000 farmers in the production of Irish potatoes across 1,500 hectares of farmland. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, made the announcement at the launch of the 2024-2025 National Irish Potato Programme at the St. Michael's Church in Claremont, St. Ann on Wednesday (Dec. 11). Under the new programme...

The ‘Eat Jamaican Global Campaign’ is to be expanded into targeted markets within the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom (UK), as the Government seeks to promote the consumption of authentic Jamaican food produce worldwide. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green told JIS News at the Eat Jamaican Month Cook Off and Farmers Market held on...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is appealing to farmers of turmeric, ginger and pimento to engage with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress Jamaica Spices (JaSPICE) project, to improve their crop production. The project, being implemented over a five-year period, is now in its ‘extension’ phase where research into new and improved farming practices is transferred...

Within a few weeks, the new Plant Health Act will go to Cabinet and should be laid before Parliament by the end of the financial year, says Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green. The legislation, which will replace the Plants (Quarantine) Act, will be consistent with modern phytosanitary best practices and ensure Jamaica's conformity with its international...

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) projects that the agriculture industry will return to growth in the first half of fiscal year 2025/26. This follows a decline in the July to September 2024 quarter due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl and other weather events, which will linger into October to December. “Some crops, impacted by weather events, which continued...

Local spice farmers are to benefit from increased access to financing to expand their operations and boost productivity. The support is being provided under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food for Progress Jamaica Spices (JaSPICE) Project, which targets the revitalisation of the turmeric, ginger, and pimento value chains. The Local Umbrella Agreement for Tripartite Value Chain Financing, which...

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining will be distributing 3,000 gardening kits under the new edition of its Backyard Gardening Programme, which will roll out on ‘Eat Jamaican Day’ Monday, November 25. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, made the announcement at the Eat Jamaican Day food festival on Friday (Nov. 22) on the lawns of Devon House in Kingston....

Sales of produce by local farmers through the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) platform continue to climb, reaching $1.2 billion to date. Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Dr. Carey Wallace,  made the disclosure to JIS News, during the ‘Eat Jamaican Day’ food festival on Friday (Nov. 22) at Devon House in Kingston. He said the platform has revolutionised the...

The local cattle industry continues to play a vital role in supporting food security and boosting Jamaica’s economy, says Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green. Addressing cattle farmers and industry stakeholders during the recent Minard Livestock and Beef Festival in St. Ann, Minister Green described the cattle sector as, not only big business, but one with the...