The Rural Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (RYEEP) Builder National Agribusiness Pitch Competition will return for a second year, following the resounding success of its inaugural staging. Jamaica 4-H Clubs Business and Entrepreneurship Development Manager, Amanda McKenzie, noted that participants from the 2024/25 cohort were empowered to assess and strengthen their agricultural enterprises through targeted training in business model development, strategic...

The Water Resources Authority (WRA) is urging farmers to take a more proactive approach to planning for their water demand by assessing their agricultural needs. With instances of drought and intermittent rainfall during some seasons being a reality, farmers are being encouraged to store water to supply their crops. Deputy Managing Director at the WRA, Geoffrey Marshall, said being aware...

Business and Entrepreneurship Development Manager for the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Amanda McKenzie, has indicated that close to 300 applications have been received, so far, for the 2025/2026 Rural Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (RYEEP) Builder. She said that this figure is expected to be exceeded, as the deadline for applications is set for Friday (September 12) at midday. During an interview...

A total of $6 million will be disbursed under the Rio Tinto Alcan Legacy Fund scholarship and bursary programme to support education-related expenses for a new cohort of agricultural students, soon to be announced for the 2025/26 academic year. This was disclosed by Business and Entrepreneurship Development Manager, Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Amanda McKenzie. “For this year, we had 217 applications....

Farmers in Hayfield, St. Thomas, are now better equipped to manage the impacts of disasters, particularly hurricanes, following an interagency training session held on September 9. The Agriculture Disaster Risk Management training, held at Hayfield Primary and Infant School, formed part of an ongoing series across the six extension areas in the parish. The initiative is being spearheaded by the...

In recognition of World Coconut Day on Tuesday, September 2, the Coconut Industry Board (CIB) will distribute 100 seedlings and fertiliser to the first 100 patrons making purchases at the Coconut Shop, located at 18 Waterloo Road in Kingston. The observance highlights the economic and livelihood contributions of coconuts across global communities. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaun Cameron, says the...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA), agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, are actively working to preserve the country’s global standing as a premier producer of high-quality cocoa. This is in response to the ongoing threat posed by frosty pod disease, which was first discovered on the island in...