Seventy-two hot pepper farmers took part in the recently concluded Agricultural and Insurance Product Capacity Training Series, part of the ‘Improving Phytosanitary, Food Safety, and Market Access Opportunities Along the Hot Pepper Value Chain in Jamaica’ Project. The training series, led by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), ran from June 11 to July 30, and engaged farmers from St....

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, visited the community of Parottee in St. Elizabeth, on August 16, to deliver essential supplies to local fisherfolk. The community has faced significant challenges since Hurricane Beryl impacted the island on July 3, including loss of electricity and a struggling fishing industry. Minister Green emphasised the vital role of the fishing...

In response to the severe impact of Hurricane Beryl on the agriculture sector, the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) has initiated a comprehensive recovery assistance program. On Friday, August 16, JACRA distributed 160 bags of 50-pound fertilizer to farmers in various areas of St Andrew. This first round of aid reached 70 registered farmers, each receiving two bags of...

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, is calling on financial institutions to re-evaluate their lending practices to the agricultural sector, urging increased support for small farmers and entrepreneurs. “I am imploring our financial institutions to recognise the significance of supporting our farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole and extend a helping hand through the provision...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is encouraging farmers to continue hurricane preparedness activities as the season progresses. The six-month Tropical Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Senior RADA Plant Health and Food Safety Officer, Francine Webb, says sustainable approaches to farming and developing resilience to changing climate conditions are of utmost importance. “At this stage,...

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green (right) greets jerk vendor Joseph Brown during the recent staging of the Pagee Fisherman’s Regatta at the Pagee Beach, Port Maria, St. Mary.

An additional $1.4 billion has been allocated to help rebuild the agricultural and fisheries sectors, following the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl. This was announced by portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, who said that the sum will continue the work already started by an earlier allocation of $700 million. “Of that $1.4 billion, we’re going to help our fishing beaches....