Gov’t Undertakes $23.4 Million Project to Improve Competitiveness of Coffee Farmers

As part of measures to improve the competitiveness of small coffee producers in the central and northern regions of Jamaica, a total of $23.4 million has been allocated to the Competitive Coffee Enterprises programme in the Ministry of Agriculture for the fiscal year 2010/11.
As stated in the 2010/11 Estimates of Expenditure, which is now before the House of Representatives, the Competitive Coffee Enterprises programme seeks to promote the consumption of good quality coffee; and to provide capacity building of coffee cooperatives in the central and northern regions of Jamaica.
Anticipated physical targets for the 2010/11 financial year include planting, fertilising and pruning of coffee seedlings; soil amendment; control of diseases, berry borer and other pests; provision of agronomic extension services and post harvest support; and the development of a promotion and awareness campaign.
The programme is expected to begin in September 2010 and conclude in September 2013.