Government Assistance to Boost Agriculture

Agriculture is an essential contributor to the Jamaican economy, accounting for nine per cent of Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020. The sector is also crucial to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition as well as promote sustainable agriculture.

Considering the importance of this industry, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) assists farmers and farming interests to develop their individual agricultural pursuits as well as the sector in general.

Youth in Agriculture

The GOJ is providing young persons 18 to 35 years old with farming lands which will put unused public lands into food production. The programme also provides business counselling and planning services, technical advice and support. Interested persons may contact the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC), which is responsible for promoting agricultural development projects.

National School Garden Programme

Secondary schools which offer agricultural training may contact the 4-H Clubs to request assistance to install or improve gardens for student instruction. This assistance is provided in collaboration with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS).

Dairy Farmer Assistance

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MOAF) is providing approximately $70 million in low interest rate loans for the island’s dairy farmers to improve the quality of their stock and increase herd numbers. This is being done through the Jamaica Dairy Development Board’s (JDDB) Dairy Concessionary Loan Programme.

For additional information, contact:

Agro-Investment Corporation
188 Spanish Town Road
Kingston 11
Telephone: 876-923-0086, 876-764-8071
Website: http://www.agroinvest.gov.jm
Email: applications@agroinvest.gov.jm
Social media: @agroinvestja

Jamaica 4-H Clubs
95 Old Hope Road
Kingston 6
Telephone: 876-927-4052
Website: https://jamaica4hclubs.com
Email: jamaica.4h@cwjamaica.com
Social media: @Jamaica.4HClubs (Facebook), @Jamaica4HClubs (twitter)

Jamaica Dairy Development Board
Hope Gardens
Old Hope Road
Kingston 6
Telephone: 876-927-1731-50, 876-618-7107
Email: dairyboard@moa.gov.jm
Website: https://www.jddb.gov.jm