The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is calling on employers to embrace a change of culture within the organisation in order to improve employee engagement. The entity’s Chief Executive Officer, Valerie Veira, said that the workforce has become more multigenerational and diverse, with groups such as baby boomers, Generation X, millennials, and Generation Z operating in one space, and “we...

A publication on breadfruit is being hailed by Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw, as a useful resource in increasing production of the tree crop as Jamaica looks to further reduce its food-import bill. The ‘Breadfruit Germplasm Collection’ written by Professor Laura B. Roberts-Nkrumah of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture at the University of the West...

Seven hundred farmers, who operate in the Essex Valley region of St. Elizabeth, will benefit from training towards enabling them to achieve Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification. The training is part of the Essex Valley Agriculture Development Project (EVADP), which aims to enhance the production and productivity of farmers in a sustainable, climate-sensitive manner, while improving their livelihood. Permanent...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is reminding farmers to wear the proper protective gear when using pesticides on their farms. Speaking with JIS News, Principal Director, Technical Services, RADA, Marina Young said the Agency has faced challenges with farmers, using the required gear such as, overalls, goggles, chemical resistant gloves and respirators. “The reasons are various including the fact...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, is calling on justices of the peace (JPs), to always be visibly active in diffusing tensions and conflicts in their communities and sow the seeds of peace. He was speaking at the installation of Custos Rotulorum of Manchester, Hon. Garfield Green, by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick...

Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw, says there are plans to establish a centre in Jamaica to further advance plant-based medicine research. Mr. Shaw told JIS News that a “programme of cooperation” involving noted Jamaican scientist and businessman, Dr. Henry Lowe; Dr. Julius Garvey, son of National Hero, the Right Excellent Marcus Garvey; and Director at Harvard...

State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, and Fisheries, Hon. Floyd Green, says the feasibility study being developed for the proposed irrigation system in Flagaman, St. Elizabeth, is far advanced. The system is projected to take water from the Black River to supply some 5,000 farmers whose cultivations are impacted by drought annually. Mr. Green told JIS News...