GOJ Support for Agricultural Development

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 12 to eliminate hunger, boost productivity, enhance sustainability, and reduce waste in farming and agro-processing by 2030.

To achieve this, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining (MOAFM) aims for Jamaica to produce at least 70 per cent of its locally consumed food. This effort is supported through partnerships with as the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) and the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce (MIIC).

Crop Development Projects

The GOJ has strengthened the agriculture sector by implementing special projects geared towards filling the nation’s food basket. The National Irish Potato Development Project and the Onion Development Programme aid to expand the variety and quality of produce available for the local market. Growing these crops have been incentivised by the Ministry’s Production Incentive Programme, as the country reaps economic benefits from the consumption of locally grown foods.

The MOAFM has also launched a Crop Restoration and Establishment Programme (CREP) focused on increasing the yield and productivity of coffee farmers; as well as the Backyard Gardening Kits Project through which gardening kits are distributed to residents in urban and peri-urban areas to encourage sustainable farming in small spaces and boost food security.

Infrastructural Development

The National Farm Road Rehabilitation Programme is an ongoing effort by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to repair and establish farm roads.

Multiple irrigation expansion projects have been undertaken by the GOJ to deliver water to more farmers and increase the frequency of irrigation in areas with existing systems. This is being done by constructing wells, tanks, obtaining irrigation travellers (watering devices) and developing existing infrastructure.

Agro Parks and Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC)

The AIC manages eight designated agro-parks that promote intensive agricultural production and large-scale investments. These agro-parks are located in Amity Hall, St. Catherine; New Forest, Manchester; Plantain Garden River and Yallahs, St. Thomas; Holland Estate, St. Elizabeth; and Ebony Park, Spring Plain, and Mango Agro-Park, Clarendon. Through AIC financing, land leasing, and business planning, the corporation creates opportunities for farmers.

Agro-Tourism Farmers Market and the Tourism Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX)

The Tourism Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX) is Jamaica’s first e-commerce platform which connects farmers with five acres or less directly to hotels and buyers online. There are three markets in resort areas that provide an outlet for farmers who have a high volume and variety of produce to supply small hotels, tourists and other buyers within the tourism sector. The markets are located in Montego Bay at the RADA Catherine Hall Complex, Norman Manley Beach Park, Negril and Discovery Bay Peace Park in St. Ann.

For additional information, contact:

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining
6 Hope Gardens, Kingston 6
Tel: 876-927-1731
Email: psecoffice@moa.gov.jm
Website: www.moa.gov.jm
Facebook, Instagram, X: @moafjm

Rural Agricultural Development Authority
197 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
Tel: 876-970-1451/876-970-0287
Email: executive@rada.gov.jm/customer.service@rada.gov.jm
Website: www.rada.gov.jm
Instagram: @radajm
Facebook: Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA)
X: @rada_jam

Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce
4 St. Lucia Avenue, Kingston 5
Tel: 876-968-7116
Email: ps_office@miic.gov.jm
Website: www.miic.gov.jm
Instagram: @industryministryja
Facebook: Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce
X: @MIIC_Jamaica

Tourism Enhancement Fund
Address: 60 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston
Tel: 876-926-8684
Email: info@tef.gov.jm
Website: www.tef.gov.jm
Facebook, Instagram: @tefjamaica
X: @TEFJamaica