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More Support for Small Farmers and Agro-Processors

By: Alecia Smith, May 6, 2019

The Key Point:

Small farmers and agro-processors are to benefit from increased support under the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s (RADA) Agro-Processing Incubator Project, aimed at supporting the development of small-scale rural enterprises.
Agriculture
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More Support for Small Farmers and Agro-Processors
Photo: Adrian Walker
Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s (RADA), Peter Thompson (seated left), along with Director, CNET-OUTAONE, Robert Thompson (seated, centre), prepare to sign copies of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at boosting support to farmers and agro-processors. Waiting to affix his signature (seated, right), is Co-founder, CNET-OUTAONE, Errol Bailey. Overseeing the process (standing, from left) are Robert Miller, Senior Advisor and Consultant to Minister without Portfolio, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson; Chairman, RADA, Nigel Myrie; and Vice President, Operations, CNET, Clarence W. Hill.

The Facts

  • The agency, on Wednesday (May 2), signed a memorandum of understanding with CNET-OUTAONE, to further strengthen the programme by offering training, technical advice and marketing support to users of the incubators.
  • The support will be facilitated under OUTAONE’s Agro-economic Zone Project, which involves partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, for the establishment of agro-processing facilities throughout Jamaica.

The Full Story

Small farmers and agro-processors are to benefit from increased support under the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s (RADA) Agro-Processing Incubator Project, aimed at supporting the development of small-scale rural enterprises.

The agency, on Wednesday (May 2), signed a memorandum of understanding with CNET–OUTAONE, to further strengthen the programme by offering training, technical advice and marketing support to users of the incubators.

The support will be facilitated under OUTAONE’s Agro-economic Zone Project, which involves partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, for the establishment of agro-processing facilities throughout Jamaica.

Senior Advisor and Consultant in the Ministry, Robert Miller, said that the partnership between the entities “will facilitate growth in our economy through increased value-added production and effective utilisation of resources as well as provide greater linkages with agricultural suppliers, producers and buyers”.

Robert Miller, Senior Advisor and Consultant to Minister without Portfolio, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, addresses participants at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and CNET-OUTAONE for increased support to farmers. The signing ceremony was held on May 1 at RADA’s Hope Gardens complex in St. Andrew. Listening are Director, CNET-OUTAONE, Robert Thompson (centre); and Chief Executive Officer, RADA, Peter Thompson.

 

He was delivering remarks on behalf of Minister without Portfolio, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, at the signing ceremony held at RADA’s Hope Gardens complex in St. Andrew.

Mr. Miller noted the need for greater market opportunities and a structured distribution network to increase growth in the agricultural sector.

He said that the establishment of agro-economic zones that are strategically located across the island is part of measures to rectify the issue.

Launched in 2017, RADA’s incubator initiative enables persons to access training in value-added production to start their own business.

Beneficiaries receive assistance in the areas of production, product development, marketing, and general business support.

Last Updated: May 6, 2019