May Pen, Clarendon – The Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) showcased the strength, innovation and investment potential of Jamaica’s agricultural sector at the 72nd Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show through its Future of Jamaican Agribusiness Pavilion, while celebrating the achievements of farmers and investors who continue to drive growth within the sector.
The Pavilion highlighted Agro-Invest’s role in advancing a modern, technology-driven and commercially focused agricultural industry. Visitors explored investment opportunities across Agro-Invest’s Agro Parks and Production Zones and engaged with innovative solutions from Blueprint Farms, Skycrop Solutions, Walkerswood, Spur Tree Spices, Jamaican Teas and Believe Farms, showcasing advancements in aeroponics, aquaponics, drone technology, smart irrigation and value-added production.
A major highlight of Agro-Invest’s participation was the Lease Handover Ceremony for the Amity Hall/Bridgepen Southern Plains Agricultural Development (SPAD) Project which took place on August 1, 2026, at the Agro-Invest pavilion marking another significant milestone in the Government of Jamaica’s efforts to place agricultural lands into productive use and expand opportunities for agricultural investment.
The Amity Hall/Bridgepen Agro Park represents a strategic investment in Jamaica’s agricultural transformation, with approximately 1,140 acres of underutilised government-owned lands being developed into resilient, commercially oriented farming hubs to increase production, strengthen food security, create employment and stimulate economic growth.
As part of the first phase of the project, 22 approved investors were scheduled to receive their agricultural leases, representing a significant step in their transition into active commercial production. To date, 56 investors have been approved under the initiative, reflecting a commitment to expanding participation in agriculture through opportunities for youth, women and persons with disabilities, including 18 youth, 12 women and one person with a disability within the approved investor cohort.
This initial phase activates 123.5 acres for the production of priority crops, including sweet pepper, hot pepper, sweet potato, pumpkin, tomato, plantain, lettuce and cucumber. The development is expected to generate approximately J$98.5 million in agricultural investment and create an estimated 370 jobs during the first crop cycle. Investors will also benefit from Agro-Invest’s lease management, agronomic and business development support services to assist with the successful establishment and growth of their enterprises.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, the Honourable Floyd Green, said the SPAD initiative represents an important step in unlocking the productive potential of Jamaica’s agricultural lands.
“The development of the Amity Hall/Bridgepen Agro Park demonstrates our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Jamaicans to invest in agriculture and build sustainable enterprises. By making more agricultural lands available, supporting farmers and attracting new investment, we are strengthening food security, creating jobs and positioning agriculture as a key driver of economic growth,” Minister Green said.
Denbigh 72 also provided an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Agro-Invest investors, demonstrating the impact of strategic agricultural investment and support.
Jeyadoss Prabahar, affectionately known as “Pablo,” was crowned National Champion Farmer at Denbigh 72, receiving the award from Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and Minister Green. An investor at the Amity Hall Agro Park since 2008, Mr. Prabahar operates a 40-acre commercial farm producing more than 40 varieties of crops using modern technologies, including drone applications, drip irrigation and mechanised mulching. His enterprise supplies more than 100 outlets across Jamaica and provides employment for over 15 full-time workers.
Minard Estate, managed by Agro-Invest, delivered an outstanding performance at Denbigh 72 under the leadership of Farm Manager Emelio Archer, earning the titles of Champion Cattle Exhibitor and Champion Exhibitor (Jamaica Black). The estate also captured the prestigious awards for Supreme Champion Senior Beef Bull and Supreme Champion Beef Female, showcasing the exceptional quality of livestock production and farm management within Agro-Invest’s managed agricultural portfolio. The achievement reflects the continued commitment to excellence, productivity and innovation that drives the Corporation’s efforts to strengthen Jamaica’s agricultural sector and support world-class farming operations.
Chief Executive Officer Vivion Scully said the achievements celebrated at Denbigh 72 demonstrate the tremendous potential of Jamaica’s agricultural sector when supported by innovation, investment and strategic partnerships.
“Denbigh 72 reaffirmed that Jamaica’s agricultural future is bright. Through strategic investments, modern technologies and strong partnerships, Agro-Invest continues to create opportunities that empower farmers, attract investment and strengthen national food security. The achievements celebrated this year demonstrate what is possible when vision, innovation and determination come together.”
As Agro-Invest looks beyond Denbigh 72, the Corporation remains committed to expanding investment opportunities, accelerating agricultural development and supporting a new generation of commercially successful farmers who will continue to drive growth within Jamaica’s agricultural sector.
About Agro-Investment Corporation
The Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) is Jamaica’s premier investment promotion agency for the agriculture sector. Operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Agro-Invest is mandated to drive investment, innovation and commercialisation in the agribusiness sector. Through the management of Agro Parks, Production Zones and strategic partnerships, Agro-Invest plays a pivotal role in transforming Jamaica’s agriculture into a globally competitive, value-added industry.
