Agro-Invest at the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference 2026

Connecting the Diaspora to Jamaica’s Agricultural Future

The Agro-Investment Corporation participated in the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference 2026, held from June 14 to 18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Rose Hall, St. James, under the theme “Diaspora Partnerships: Re-Building a More Climate-Resilient Jamaica.”

The conference brought together Jamaican diaspora members, policymakers, investors and business leaders from across the globe for five days of high-level dialogue, partnership building and investment facilitation, all centred on Jamaica’s recovery and long-term resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Agro-Invest on the Exhibition Floor

Agro-Invest maintained a prominent presence throughout the conference, operating an exhibition booth that served as a dedicated space for diaspora partners to explore Jamaica’s agribusiness investment landscape. Visitors engaged directly with the Agro-Invest team on available opportunities across the agency’s network of agro-parks and agricultural estates, learning how they can participate in Jamaica’s growing agri-sector.

Among the highlights of the showcase was the story of Walkerswood Caribbean Foods, a proudly Jamaican brand with operations on Agro-Invest land. The Walkerswood presence at the booth illustrated in real terms what structured agri-investment looks like and the kind of thriving partnerships that Agro-Invest is designed to enable.

High-Level Engagement

The conference provided a platform for significant agricultural dialogue at the national level. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, addressed the conference on June 16, announcing Jamaica’s ambitious fruit tree planting programme, targeting 3,000 hectares of breadfruit, avocado and mango by 2035, alongside major investments in irrigation modernisation and agro-park development at Parnassus in Clarendon, Essex Valley in St. Elizabeth and Amity Hall in St. Catherine.

The Opening Ceremony on June 16 was addressed by Prime Minister the Most Honourable Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader the Honourable Mark Golding, reflecting the broad national consensus around diaspora engagement as a driver of Jamaica’s recovery and economic growth.

A Week of Meaningful Connections

Across five days, the Agro-Invest booth became a space for substantive conversation, with diaspora partners from across North America, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean leaning in on questions of land access, investment structures, crop opportunities and partnership pathways. The level of interest and engagement reflected a diaspora that is not on the sidelines but actively seeking to be part of Jamaica’s agricultural future.

Agro-Invest remains committed to facilitating those connections and turning diaspora interest into lasting investment.

Official Handing Over of the Essex Valley Agro-Processing Facility

ST. ELIZABETH — Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness officially commissioned the Essex Valley Agro-Processing Facility and Administrative Building on February 4, 2026. This project was developed through a partnership with UKaid and the Caribbean Development Bank to modernize agricultural infrastructure in the region. The complex serves as a central hub for the farming community in South Eastern St. Elizabeth and provides essential resources for washing, grading, and post-harvest management. By integrating these industrial capabilities directly into the production zone, the facility helps local farmers transition toward a more sustainable and high-value agro-industrial model.

The Agro-Investment Corporation is now managing the facility to ensure its operations align with international quality standards. This oversight is designed to bridge the gap between local production and large-scale commercial demand. By focusing on consistency and rigorous quality control, Agro-Invest is helping local produce meet the requirements of top-tier agro-processors and global brands. This strategic management ensures that the investment translates into tangible growth for the community while securing a more resilient supply chain for the country.

2025 MSME Business Roadshow

Agro-Investment Corporation proudly participated in the 2025 MSME Business Roadshow, supporting Jamaica’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) on their journey to growth and investment. Across three key stops, we engaged with entrepreneurs, showcased agribusiness opportunities, and reinforced our commitment to fostering sustainable development in the sector.

The journey began in St. Catherine, where over 70 MSMEs benefited from key services aimed at strengthening operations. With a focus on strategic networking, financing, and digital solutions, we connected with business owners eager to scale their agribusiness ventures.

Next, we joined the Clarendon leg at the JUICI Empowerment Centre, where Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry, highlighted the 18.5% increase in MSME loans in 2023. The growing confidence in the sector is a clear indicator of its role in national economic growth, and Agro-Invest remains dedicated to ensuring agriculture remains a major player in this expansion.

The final stop took us to St. Elizabeth Technical High School on March 6, 2025, where the roadshow concluded on a high note. This edition featured a Tech Corner, an MSME Village, and a Farmers Market, highlighting the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and agriculture. Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill announced that J$14.6 million in grants were awarded to business owners over the 2023-2025 period. With over 1,600 attendees from Mandeville, Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Twickenham Park, and Clarendon Park, it was clear that Jamaica’s business community is thriving.

At Agro-Invest, we are committed to supporting MSMEs in agriculture, ensuring they have access to the resources, land, and investment opportunities needed to thrive. These roadshows reinforced the power of collaboration, funding, and innovation in unlocking Jamaica’s agri-business potential.

The road to investment and growth continues—let’s build the future of agriculture together!

Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival  2024!

The Minard Livestock Show and Beef Festival 2024 was a vibrant celebration of agriculture, education, and community. Hosted in St. Ann, the event drew a large crowd, including hundreds of students from across Jamaica, who participated in engaging activities and won exciting prizes like goats, rabbits, and calves. This year’s theme: “Resurgence and Resilience Through Livestock Production” emphasized the vital role of livestock in food security and Jamaica’s ability to come back and become stronger through natural disasters.

Agro-Invest Corporation played a key role in highlighting agricultural investment opportunities, with Senior Director Owen Scarlett delivering remarks on behalf of CEO Vivion Scully. Guests explored livestock exhibits, enjoyed delicious beef-centered dishes, and connected with industry leaders. Games and quizzes further entertained attendees, while educational sessions on livestock care and feed enriched their understanding of the sector.

The festival’s success underscores its importance in nurturing the future of Jamaican agriculture, inspiring youth participation, and strengthening industry collaborations. Events like these continue to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, building a robust agricultural foundation for Jamaica.

Success at the World Food Day Exhibition 2024!

The World Food Day Exhibition at Ebony Park Heart Academy in Clarendon was a rainy success! Under the theme, “Right to foods for a better life and a better future,” Agro-Invest was thrilled to engage and inspire young minds on the vital role of agriculture in our daily lives.

Despite the weather, youth participants showed enthusiasm as they learned about sustainable farming practices and food security. We also took the opportunity to reward them for their knowledge and dedication to agriculture, fostering a deeper appreciation for this essential sector.

Empowering youth is key to building sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security for all. Together, let’s cultivate a better future with the passion and energy of our young leaders!

70th Denbigh Agricultural Show With Agro-Invest

This year’s Denbigh Agricultural Industrial and Food Show was a resounding success, with Agro-Invest at the forefront of driving innovation and investment in Jamaica’s agricultural sector. From advanced technology demonstrations to meaningful discussions with key government officials, our presence at Denbigh 2024 was truly transformative.

Some of the event’s highlights were the Farmers’ Seminar, where GK Insurance provided valuable insights into their Weather Protection Plans, offering our farmers essential tools to safeguard their livelihoods against unpredictable climate challenges. WUSC presented on hurricane resilient crops and handed out cassava slips to farmers. SkyCrop Solutions had an incredible drone demonstration, showcasing their cutting-edge agriculture drone, which illustrated how technology can revolutionize farming practices, making them more efficient and sustainable.

The Agro Invest booth was a hub of activity throughout the event. Attendees were treated to a remarkable drone demonstration led by our partner, SkyCrop Solutions. Their cutting-edge Agriculture Drone showcased how technology can revolutionize farming practices, making them more efficient and sustainable. We also had the pleasure of hosting Hon. Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Hon. Minister Floyd Green, who stopped by to learn about our latest investment opportunities and innovative technologies, including our new electronic online application for the Southern Plains Agricultural Development land lease opportunity.

Our commitment to building back with resilience was further emphasized through our collaboration with @utechjamaica, who conducted a seminar on farm designs to prevent flooding. Additionally, the @forestrydepartment made a significant contribution by providing 100 ackee seedlings to farmers and patrons at our booth, reinforcing the importance of sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, the seminar conducted by WUSC on selecting hurricane-resilient crops provided farmers with essential knowledge to protect their investments in an era of increasingly severe weather events.

As we look to the future, Agro-Invest remains dedicated to revitalizing Jamaica’s agricultural landscape. We are proud to offer new opportunities, including land leases through the Southern Plains Agricultural Development project. These efforts, combined with our focus on modern farming techniques and advanced agro-technology, are central to our mission of empowering farmers and enhancing food security across the island.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND MINING – STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTS SESSIONS

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining recently orchestrated an extensive series of Stakeholder Engagement Sessions across the entire island as part of the New F.A.C.E. of Food initiative. These sessions were meticulously designed to facilitate substantive dialogues with farmers and investors, aiming to pinpoint challenges and devise a strategic plan for the future. These thirteen sessions stand as a crucial component of the Ministry’s steadfast dedication to tapping into the collective wisdom of Jamaica’s export-focused businesses, farmers, and fisherfolk.

In collaboration, the Agro-Investment Corporation played a supportive role by presenting several investment opportunities. The Corporation’s focus lies in creating agricultural investment opportunities with lucrative outputs, ensuring food security, and ultimately promoting them at local, regional, and international levels.