Gov’t Prioritising Regularisation of Farmland Holdings

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, says the Government is seized of the importance of formal land tenures and, as such, will continue to regularise farmlands by providing leases to farmers.

Addressing farmers and other stakeholders at the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC) Lease Handover Ceremony at the Orange Park Baptist Church in Lydford, St. Ann, recently, Mr. Green said the occasion marked a significant step in advancing Jamaica’s agricultural sector.

“Through the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC), the Ministry understands the vital importance of formal land tenures for farmers. The leases are given to demonstrate our commitment to regularise farmlands by providing formal leases to farmers who have been cultivating land informally,” Mr. Green pointed out.

He added, “This initiative aims to enhance their quality of life and ensure stability in their agricultural endeavours.”

The Minister also detailed the comprehensive support services offered by AIC, citing the entity’s personalised assistance throughout the investment process, including business planning, facilitation and market linkage opportunities.

He said these services are designed to support investors from the initial planning stages through to successful market entry, by equipping them with the necessary resources and guidance to thrive in the agricultural sector.

The ceremony, organised by the AIC, celebrated the formal transfer of lease agreements to 55 farmers and investors in the Islington, Mount Pleasant, and Harmony Hall areas of St. Ann.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AIC, Vivion Scully, underscored the organisation’s commitment to nurturing the land and fostering the agricultural community’s growth and prosperity.

He underscored the benefits of cultivating key crops such as hot peppers, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes and pumpkins, pointing out that these were chosen due to their extensive use in Jamaican cuisine and current supply shortfalls.

“By increasing local production, the initiative aims to stabilise prices and ensure a consistent supply of these essential ingredients,” Mr. Scully said, adding that the support provided through the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Programme will assist farmers with essential inputs.

The CEO also highlighted the upcoming Hinds Town Irrigation project, which he said is designed to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience.

For his part, State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter, cited the transformative impact of the lease handover on Jamaica’s agricultural landscape.

He noted that the initiative is pivotal in fortifying the agricultural sector, and advancing the country’s food security and economic resilience.

“The strategic distribution of land leases is not only reinforcing the agricultural framework but also catalysing sustainable growth and stability, ensuring that Jamaica’s food systems are robust and well-supported for the future,” Mr. Whitter remarked.

Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, said he was happy for the contributions made by Agro-Invest and the Ministry of Agriculture to St. Ann, noting the positive impact of regularising farmland in the parish, which he said is crucial for sustainable growth and development in the region.

The lease handover ceremony marks a pivotal moment in the collaborative efforts to bolster Jamaica’s agricultural sector.

By providing formal land leases to farmers, the initiative aims to enhance productivity, ensure food security, and support sustainable agricultural practices across the country.