Category: Agro

Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project (SPAD) Project

What is the SPAD project?

Farmers in the parishes of Clarendon and St. Catherine are set to benefit from the availability of repurposed sugarcane lands to plant various crops under the Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project (SPAD). The project seeks to provide and enhance irrigation systems and services to an estimated 795 hectares of land in Parnassus (Clarendon) and Bridge Pen/Amity Hall (St. Catherine). The project is comprised of six components including infrastructure works, engineering and construction-related services; and project management. The project total is £17.1 million partly funded by the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Development Fund (UKCIF) and administered by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), with counterpart funding of £390,000 by the Government of Jamaica and is expected to benefit small and medium-sized farmers.

The first project proposal was completed in 2018 in conjunction with the National Irrigation Commission (NIC). Handover of the project to Agro Invest for Agricultural Development and Enhanced Productivity has a projected date of June 30, 2023.

Agro Invest will spearhead leasing land to commercially oriented farmers including women and youth. The project will offer direct social and gender benefits for small and medium-sized commercial agricultural enterprises through improved access to agricultural resources; technical expertise; organizational strengthening and female and male farmers’ capacity building in the rural communities of Amity Hall and Parnassus.

The project essentially was developed to enhance the agricultural production and marketing systems, strengthen the capacity of the producer/s group, enhance the agricultural value chain, capacity building, and establishment of a Matching Grant Scheme.

Agro-Invest’s Role and Responsibilities as it relates to the SPAD Project

Agro Invest coordinated the development of the initial project documents and will have management control of the property and facilities at the end of the project, hence the Corporation has played an integral role in the implementation process.

Under the Project, Agro Invest will be responsible for providing access to (i) land, inputs, and technical services (ii) financing for small-scale farmers through a Matching Grant Scheme; (iii) market arrangements through the establishment of both horizontal and vertical linkages between rural farmers/producer groups and larger commercial farms, Agro processors, distributors and exporters; and (iv) training in the good use, operations, and maintenance of investments in on-farm irrigation equipment and facilities. This multifaceted approach will enhance both the sustainability and profitability of commercial farming while boosting social equity and safeguarding against environmental degradation.

Fundamentally Agro Invest will be responsible for:

• Agricultural Development
• Sub-Division of land
• Market Linkage
• Provision of Lease Agreements
• Determination of crops to be cultivated
• Group Clustering
• Tractor Service
• Global Gap Facilitation (G-GAP)
• Establishment of Storage, Packing and Agro-Processing Facilities
• Institution of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices (CSA)
• Development of a Steering Committee to assist in the establishment of the Matching Grant Scheme
• Enhancement of the Agricultural Value Chain
• Ensure increased productivity and access to markets in the project areas

The Matching Grant Scheme (MGS) is an important component of the project and will seek to assist agricultural producers, including vulnerable groups (females and youth) within the respective Agro Parks. Agro Invest will establish a Steering Committee to develop criteria for the provision of on-farm irrigation systems. A communication campaign will be developed to raise awareness of the MGS among small-scale males, females, youth, and persons with disabilities farmer/farming groups.

CURRENT STATUS OF THE PROJECT:

Well-drilling is in progress at Parnassus. Engineering design for roads, irrigation, and drainage has been completed.

Agro Invest has held several meetings with informal settlers from the Parnassus area and has been sensitizing them on the role that the Corporation will play as well as assisting them with the requirements for leasing land so that their farms will be up and running on the completion of the project. A Steering Committee for the Matching Grant Scheme (MGS) Chaired by the CEO of Agro Invest has reviewed the Terms of Reference for a consultant to develop the Matching Grant Scheme. The second draft of the design for the Produce handling and Agro-Processing facility is being reviewed.

The Hon. Floyd Green Minister Of Agriculture & Fisheries Gets First-Hand View Of Agro Park Flood Disaster

The Hon. Floyd Green, visited our Ebony Agro Park in Clarendon on November 5, 2020, to ascertain the damage caused to investors’ farms by the heavy rainfall throughout October into November. Our Agro Parks team had recently completed a full assessment of the damage and losses to investors’ crops which amounted to approximately $132M. This information was passed on to the Minister as he toured each farmers’ plot and had discussions with them as to the actual crops that were ravaged by the heavy rains.

Our farmers are resilient and are making the necessary preparations to activate their recovery plans. Minister Green has assured them that the Ministry will be providing them with assistance through RADA for a speedier recovery.

MINISTER GREEN - visits Ebony Agro Park 3

MINISTER GREEN - visits Ebony Agro Park 2

MINISTER GREEN - visits Ebony Agro Park 1

AGRO-INVESTMENT CORPORATION ASSUMES FULL MANAGEMENT OF THE HOLLAND PROPERTY (ST. ELIZABETH)

The Holland property was transferred under the management of the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC) which has the mandate to package, promote and facilitate investment opportunities in Agriculture. This facilitation of investment is being done in collaboration with other stakeholders and investors by creating a climate hospitable to investment. In the process, the Management is focusing on funds mobilization, building partnerships and developing relationships with the private sector through the leveraging of government owned assets.

PLANS TO DEVELOP HOLLAND INTO AN AGRO-ECONOMIC ZONE

The property which is approximately 935.52 hectares (2400 acres) will be developed into an Agro-Economic Zone; which is the central point for agri-business development in the parish. This Agro-Economic Zone will promote economies of scale (large scale production) and economies of scope (diversification of production) at each point along the value chain. The Agro-Economic Zone will create an environment where advanced technologies will be integrated into the existing systems, to boost production and productivity.

VALUE CHAIN EXPANSION

The value chain will be developed to include the following:

• Continuous research and development
• Inputs of the highest quality
• Good agricultural practices for crop production
• Efficient harvesting techniques
• Robust storage facilities (cold and dry)
• Efficient and effective transportation services
• Innovative and scientific agro-processing techniques
• Sustainable waste management practices
• Effective and innovative marketing strategies

BENEFITS OF THE HOLLAND PROPERTY AS AN AGRO ECONOMIC ZONE

The Agro-Economic Zone (AEZ) will attract and retain profitable investors while providing support services that will make them competitive both locally and internationally. All the activities conducted in the zone will be geared towards food security, job creation, rural development, and economic growth. In addition, there will be introduction of climate smart agriculture and technologies, and a fully integrated value chain system which will potentially lead to overall sustainable national development of the country.

INVESTMENT IN THE PIPELINE FOR HOLLAND

There are approximately 230 investors/farmers interviewed and placed on the property and with the support of the Agro Invest Corporation many of these farmers have already commenced production or preparing for production.

The 2400 acre zone will comprise farms, as well as packaging and processing facilities.  The project is expected to provide jobs for over 900 persons.

There is a potential investor that has expressed an interest in setting up a complex to engage in full grading, packaging, processing and marketing.  Agro Invest is now in the process of ensuring the property has proper fencing and security in place. There will be complete monitoring of the property.

Hon. Audley Shaw visits the Spring Plain Agro-Park

The Hon. Audley Shaw, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, witnessed first-hand on Friday, June 5, 2020, the packing of  some 10,000 pounds of West Indian Red Peppers from Mr. Gary Coulton’s farm. These peppers are reaped weekly and supplied to GraceKennedy Foods Agro Processing Facility in Hounslow St. Elizabeth, for use in a wide range of food items for local and international consumers. This is a great strategic partnership between GK Foods and Jamaican farmers on our Agro Parks. Also present to witness the occasion were Dr. Al Powell CEO – Agro Invest, Vitus Evans – Chairman Agro Invest,  Mrs. Maureen Denton – General Manager GK Foods, Agro Invest’s Team, MICAF’s Communications and Public Relations Team and members of the media.

The Spring Plain Agro Park, is one of the 7 Agro Parks managed by the Agro Investment Corporation and is Global Gap Certified. It consists of 705 acres, with 602 acres being irrigated. All acreages are leased out. There are currently 21 investors/ farmers on the Park including 5 females, at reaping time over 100 persons are hired. Seasonal crops produced on the farm includes onion, peppers, scotch bonnet, cassava, lettuce, okra, cauliflower, pak choi, sweet potato, Irish potato and carrots.

Agriculture is of great strategic importance to the Government and we at Agro Invest, will continue to invest millions of dollars to upgrade agricultural technology, support farmers and incorporate agricultural best practices to assure food security for all.

AGRO-INVEST SAYS THANKS

We at the Agro-Investment Corporation would like to say a BIG THANK YOU for the overwhelming support received in response to Jamaica’s FIRST Drive-Thru Farmers’ Market hosted by us at our AMC Complex on April 29 and May 1, 2020.  This venture was undertaken in an effort to collaborate with farmers and purveyors across the island in getting excess produce sold. The event was a great success as all produce acquired was sold off in record time.

As with any new project there will be glitches and this event was no different. With that said, we apologise sincerely to all those who purchased produce bags and were somewhat dissatisfied with what they received especially during our first staging on April 29.

After the event, we went back to the drawing board and corrected most if not all of the areas we fell short on. For the second staging on May 1, the event ran smoothly and we are hoping that persons who supported the venture were pleased with their purchases. Many persons applauded our efforts and for that we are most grateful.

We would like to thank our Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Floyd Green for his tremendous support, as well as RADA, JIS, Jamaica Gleaner, Nationwide News, ZJ Sparks at ZIPFM, Paula-Ann Porter at RJR, Carol Francis at the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica, Althea McKenzie at POWER 106, Ron Muschette at MelloFM88 and countless others who assisted greatly in making the venture a success.

Agro-Invest’s mandate is to facilitate and promote agri-business investments and seeks to invite anyone interested in investing in agriculture to contact us at: www.agroinvest.gov.jm or info@agroinvest.gov.jm as well as through our social media pages.

Customers Swarm Drive-Thru Farmers’ Market

The overwhelming turnout to Jamaica’s first ever Drive-Thru Farmers’ Market at the Agricultural Marketing Corporation (AMC) complex on Spanish Town Road yesterday tested the endurance of staff who were kept on their feet filling orders at a blistering pace.

Vehicles lined the roadway going all the way back to Marcus Garvey Drive as the operators tried to maintain social distancing for the initiative which got under way at 10 o’clock.

Frayed nerves snapped as demand for prepackaged fresh vegetables and fruits selling for $1,000 and $1,500 seemed to be outstripping demand. With one cashier station collecting money and issuing tickets, things were going slowly, even as staff scurried to serve customers.

The venture, coordinated by the Agro-Investment Corporation, was organised to help farmers stuck with surpluses since the outbreak of COVID-19 caused economic fallout globally and domestically.

A woman who gave her name as Blondie was in a no-nonsense mood after waiting in line for more than an hour before being told she would not be allowed to buy all she wanted.

“We appreciate the effort, but the fact is, we have been in the line from 10:05 down at Three Miles. When we were at the gate, we were told that is only three bags per car … . Now we get in, it’s two bags per car. I’m upset, man,” she said.

Another woman who had taken money from two persons shared her dilemma with The Gleaner, and explained that she was now in a quandary as to which of her friends to disappoint. “I did call and they told me that I could buy many,” she lamented.

VERY HAPPY

Meanwhile, Marva Keane, who had been voicing discontent about the two bags of produce she had tried to secure – one for herself and another for her son – had calmed down by the time she spoke with The Gleaner.

“I believe in helping the farmers to offset their difficulties, and also I see where I am getting some benefits from what is happening,” said Keane.

“I have been buying from other people who were in New Kingston and up at the Ministry of Agriculture (Hope Gardens) and I got a whole host of things – fruit and vegetables – and I was very happy.”

Agro-Investment Corporation CEO Al Powell, who was on location monitoring proceedings, had already decided on a few refinements to improve the service delivery flow for tomorrow’s market. Adding at least one other cashier station would be critical.

“There are hundreds of cars all over the place. We have to aim for a five-to-seven-minute time frame where the customers come, pay their money, collect their packages and leave,” Powell told The Gleaner.

Powell is also hopeful that the AMC could become a distribution hub for farmers who have run into hard times with traditional markets, such as the hotel sector, shuttered because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We hear that the farmers are dumping eggs, so we could help to accommodate them by allowing them to bring their produce here and provide an outlet for sale,” he said.

“We can also offer to accommodate the farmers in St Elizabeth who are having difficulty selling their melon, so the scope for improving on what we offer, while helping our farmers, is wide open.”

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20200430/customers-swarm-drive-thru-farmers-market

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Agro-Invest Drive-Thru Farmers' MarketAgro-Invest Drive-Thru Farmers' Market

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CEO-Al Powell and Sate Minister-Mr. Floyd Green

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AGRO-INVEST HOSTS JAMAICA’S FIRST DRIVE-THRU FARMERS’ MARKET

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AGRO-INVEST HOSTS JAMAICA’S FIRST DRIVE-THRU FARMERS’ MARKET

KINGSTON, Jamaica– The Agro-Investment Corporation, located at the AMC Complex, 188 Spanish Town Road, will be hosting its very first Drive-Thru Farmers’ Market on April 29 and May 1, 2020 and the Media is invited to cover this novel farmers’ market. “Farmers markets play a critical role in providing fresh, nutritious and locally-produced food products to customers across Jamaica” and this initiative has been developed in an effort to collaborate with farmers and purveyors across the country in getting excess fresh produce sold. Our Agro Parks with its Global Gap Certification, along with other certified farms will be supplying the fresh vegetables and ground provisions.

The gates will open at 10am to 4pm at 188 Spanish Town Road, Kingston 11 and the drive in purchasers will have a turnaround time of 7-10 minutes. Fresh produce consisting of lettuce, cucumber, cabbage, Irish potato, sorrel, scotch bonnet pepper, cantaloupe, zucchini, scallion, onion, tomato and melon, will be packaged into 20 and 25 pound bags at a cost of $1000.00 and $1500.00 respectively.

As a precaution, and to assist in fighting against the Novel Coronavirus, persons entering the AMC complex must be wearing a mask covering the nose and mouth. They will be subjected to a temperature check, in addition to a sanitization exercise in keeping with the mandate set by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

The support of the media will be most welcomed as we seek to ensure the success of this venture.

For further information please contact Mrs Alecia Brown-Forbes at 876 -878-0616 or our offices at:

Agro-Investment Corporation

188 Spanish Town Road, Kingston 11

876-923-0086/ 876-923-9268

info@agroinvest.gov.jm

www.agroinvest.gov.jm

IG:@agroinvestja

Twitter:@agroinvestja

FB: @agroinvestja

The Agro-Invest Corporation is the agri-business facilitation arm within the Ministry of Investment Commerce Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF), with a focus on agricultural investment, promotion, project development and market development. The Corporation covers the investment chain from the identification of agricultural opportunities straight through to long-term business performance monitoring and technical support. The Agro-Invest seeks to activate, stimulate, facilitate and undertake agricultural development for economic advancement and the well-being of the Jamaican people.

The Corporation is a merger of the Agricultural Marketing Corporation (AMC), the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) and the Agricultural Support Services Project (ASSP). The organization celebrated its 11th year of existence in April of this year.

One of the areas of focus for the Corporation is the AGRO PARKS. An Agro Park represents an area of intensive, contiguous, parcel of land for agricultural production which seeks to integrate all facets of the agricultural value chain from pre-production to production, post harvesting and marketing. It comes with infrastructure like irrigation, tractor services, technical support for agricultural production and marketing.

A functional area of any Agro Park is clustering which presents many benefits, such as creating an enabling environment for interfirm cooperation, facilitating the diffusion of innovations, and acting as a means to efficiently channel public support to increase competitiveness in the agricultural sector. Investors/ Farmers and firms can benefit from participating in ACs, as they enjoy evident joint-action advantages and agglomeration economies.

JAMAICANS ENCOURAGED TO PURCHASE LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE IN LIGHT OF COVID 19 SPREAD

Jamaicans are being encouraged to purchase more locally grown fresh produce as world trade slows in light of the spread of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

These produce are an important part of a healthy diet because they contain essential vitamins, minerals fibre and other nutrients needed to build the immune system.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Floyd Green, who issued the call while on a tour of a farm in St. Catherine, on March 19, urged consumers to check the labels to ensure the produce is coming from Jamaican farms.

“By doing so, we are encouraging our farmers. It also represents an opportunity for us to try new produce that are grown in Jamaica such as cantaloupe, honey dew and romaine lettuce. We must recognise that anything grown in Jamaica is of a high quality. Support our farmers during this COVID- 19 crisis and support Jamaica,” he urged.

Mr. Green also encouraged farmers to still go out into their fields as “we are depending on you”.

“The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries is here to help you and will help you in this difficult time. We know that you are the best at what you do,” he said.

Mr. Green’s remarks follow recent assurances given that there are adequate supplies of agricultural produce available for the next three months as well as other items such as eggs, poultry, and fish. Assurance has also been given that that there are adequate farm inputs available such as seeds to last throughout the year.

In the meantime, St. Catherine farmer, Terry Allijohn also echoed similar sentiments to Mr. Green encouraging people to purchase locally grown produce and for other farmers across the island to go into their own fields and continue with the business of farming.

“We need persons to buy our local produce. This represents an opportunity for our farmers to promote the importance of farmers to the country and the vital role they place in ensuring food security,” he said.

Source: https://www.micaf.gov.jm/content/jamaicans-encouraged-purchase-locally-grown-produce-light-covid-19-spread

STATE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY EXPRESSES SATISFACTION AT SUFFICIENT LEVELS OF FOODSTUFF IN LIGHT OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE

State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Floyd Green, has expressed satisfaction that key stakeholders in the distributive trade have been ramping up production of foodstuff in light of the threat of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“All the manufacturers and importers present have indicated that they have at least two to three months’ worth of stock and we expect that there will not be any shortage across the sector especially in critical food items,” Mr. Green said.
“We want to indicate to the country that we seem to be fairly secure with basic food items,” he continued.
Mr. Green was speaking at a special meeting of the distributive trade, at the Ministry’s Hope Gardens offices in Kingston, on March 10.
Among the attendees to the meeting were representatives from the National Baking Company, MegaMart Jamaica, Wisynco, GraceKennedy, Caribbean Broilers, Jamaica Broilers, Rainforest Seafoods, Sugar Industry Authority, Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association, Chas E. Ramson, Jamaica Biscuit Company Limited, Jamaica Flour Mills, and Lillan Limited.
Discussions surrounded the strategies being implemented by businesses to deal with the threat of the disease, levels of business readiness and the availability of a business continuity plan should they be affected among other things.
Meanwhile, Mr. Green noted that the Ministry through its established taskforce headed by the Permanent Secretary, has been “keeping a pulse” on the happenings in the trade sector and will continue to monitor the situation.
“We have increased our visits to supermarkets and clearly we are going to be paying keen attention to things like prices,” he indicated.

Source: https://www.micaf.gov.jm/content/state-minister-industry-expresses-satisfaction-sufficient-levels-foodstuff-light-coronavirus