Agro-InvestNews
02 Jun 2025
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro

Agro-Investment Corporation and National Fisheries Authority Sign MoU to Boost Jamaica’s Fisheries Sector

Kingston, Jamaica – In a significant step toward advancing Jamaica’s fisheries sector, the Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) and the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering sustainable development and enhancing investment opportunities within the industry. The signing ceremony took place on May 12, 2024, at Agro-Invest’s headquarters at 188 Spanish Town Road, Kingston, symbolizing a strategic partnership poised to strengthen aquaculture in Jamaica.

The agreement focuses on the development of a 300-acre Aquaculture Agro-Park at Amity Hall in St. Catherine, which Agro-Invest has committed to providing for the establishment of fisheries-related projects. This initiative is expected to drive growth, increase local fish production, and reduce Jamaica’s seafood imports.

Under the terms of the MoU, Agro-Invest will:
• Facilitate project development, including Public Investment Appraisal Branch submissions for the Amity Hall Aquaculture Project.
• Identify and assess investment opportunities within the fisheries sector.
• Connect potential investors with projects, offering financial analysis and market linkages.
• Facilitate training programs to improve the technical skills of fish farmers.
• Provide technical support, including monitoring and evaluation to ensure successful project implementation.

Meanwhile, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) will:
• Fund the design consultancy for the preliminary design of the Amity Hall Aquaculture Project, estimated at JMD 1.2 million.
• Supply high-quality broodstock, fry, and seedstock to investors, subject to availability.
• Deploy field officers to provide technical guidance on pond setup, species selection, feed management, disease prevention, and capacity-building training sessions.
• Support the operational readiness of the National Tilapia Hatchery, currently under development at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine. The state-of-the-art facility will produce up to five million advanced tilapia fry annually, leveraging recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and solar energy integration to ensure climate resilience and biosecurity. The hatchery will be a critical resource for supplying quality fry to fish farmers across the island, ultimately improving productivity and reducing reliance on imports.

This MoU also establishes a Joint Committee comprising representatives from both Agro-Invest and the NFA to oversee the strategic direction, resource management, and administration of the Aquaculture Agro-Park. This committee will be responsible for determining leasing arrangements for fish farmers, ensuring fair and transparent access to the facility.

According to Vivion Scully, CEO of Agro-Invest, “This collaboration represents a pivotal step towards modernizing Jamaica’s aquaculture industry and expanding our agricultural value chain. We are excited to work alongside the National Fisheries Authority to attract both local and international investments that will create jobs, strengthen food security, and boost economic growth.”

Dr. Gavin Bellamy, CEO of the National Fisheries Authority, echoed these sentiments, noting that “The establishment of the Aquaculture Agro-Park is a game-changer for Jamaica’s fisheries sector. This partnership will help small-scale fish farmers thrive while enhancing sustainable practices that protect our marine resources.”

This strategic partnership supports the Government of Jamaica’s national priorities to advance sustainable agriculture and fisheries, with a focus on economic prosperity and strengthened food security. Both organizations are confident that their collaboration will deliver meaningful benefits to local communities and play a critical role in transforming Jamaica’s agricultural and aquaculture landscape.

About Agro-Investment Corporation:
The Agro-Investment Corporation is an agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and is Jamaica’s lead agency responsible for agricultural investment promotion and facilitation. Agro-Invest aims to drive the development of a modern, efficient, and internationally competitive agricultural sector in Jamaica.

About National Fisheries Authority:
The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is a regulatory and developmental body under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, responsible for managing, promoting, and supporting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture across Jamaica. The NFA works to enhance food security, protect marine ecosystems, and empower fishers and aquaculture stakeholders through training, research, and the provision of technical support.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Alecia Brown-Forbes
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Agro-Investment Corporation
Tel: (876) 878-0616

20 May 2025
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro

Parnassus Agro Park Launches: A New Era for Jamaica’s Agricultural Investment

Agro-Investment Corporation is proud to be at the forefront of a historic moment in Jamaican agriculture with the official launch of the Parnassus Agro Park in Clarendon — a transformative initiative under the Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project (SPAD).

Unveiled on April 23, 2025, the Parnassus Agro Park represents more than just the repurposing of former sugarcane lands — it’s a bold leap toward building a climate-resilient, inclusive, and investor-ready agricultural future.

A National Vision, An Agro-Invest Mission

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Dr. The Most Hon. Andrew Holness declared,

“We are planting the seeds of resilience and opportunity… This agro park represents a future where Jamaican farmers are empowered, communities are revitalized, and our country moves closer to a competitive and climate resilient agriculture sector.”

At Agro-Invest, our mandate aligns squarely with this national vision. As Jamaica’s premier agribusiness facilitation agency, we are focused on mobilizing investment, providing land access, and offering robust technical and market support to drive sustainable agriculture.

Why Parnassus Matters

With over 700 acres of formerly sugarcane land now being transitioned to diversified agriculture, Parnassus Agro Park is primed to deliver on multiple fronts:

  • More than 400 acres allocated to small farmers, with a strong emphasis on women, youth, and persons with disabilities

  • Strategic irrigation development: helping push Jamaica’s irrigated farmland from 15% to 20% — a game-changer for productivity

  • Support from the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund and the Caribbean Development Bank, totaling an investment of £17.13 million across two locations: Parnassus (Clarendon) and Amity Hall (St. Catherine)

Through the Parnassus Agro Park, Agro-Invest is actively:

  • Leasing flat, irrigated lands (5–500 acres) to both smallholders and commercial investors

  • Facilitating investor support services, including:

    • Business planning

    • Land matching

    • Market linkage

    • On-farm technical assistance

We are proud to help bridge the gap between opportunity and action — ensuring all applicants, from startups to established agribusinesses, have the tools to succeed.

With climate resilience and national food security at the center of Jamaica’s agricultural policy, Agro-Invest invites local and international investors to be part of this legacy-defining opportunity.

Apply now for land at the Parnassus Agro Park and partner with us to cultivate growth — for your business, for communities, and for Jamaica.

📩 Contact Us:
📍 AMC Complex, 188 Spanish Town Road, Kingston 11
📞 +1 (876) 764-8071 | ✉️ info@agroinvest.gov.jm
🔗 www.agroinvest.gov.jm

13 Jan 2025
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro

Coconut Farmers Receive Input Materials Under Hurricane Beryl Relief Programme – Jamaica Information Service

 

From JIS:

The Agro-Investment Corporation in partnership with the Coconut Industry Board on Friday (January 10), presented the Amity Hall Agro Park coconut farmers group with critical inputs valued at $4 million.

Approximately 20 farmers received seedlings, fertilizers, and spray pans during a presentation ceremony held at the Amity Hall Agro Park in St. Catherine, as part of the Hurricane Beryl Relief Programme, under the Alliances for Coconut Industry Development for the Caribbean Phase II.

The initiative aims to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of small-scale farmers, ensuring better integration into local, regional, and global markets.

The inputs will support the recovery and growth of their coconut farming operations.

Chief Executive Officer of the Coconut Industry Board, Shaun Cameron told JIS News that under the programme, approximately 15 coconut farmer groups will be assisted with materials and other inputs over the next three months.

This, he said, is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainability of the industry, which lost 3,000 trees during the passage of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024.

“As a registered coconut farmer, you benefit from free fertilizers and other essentials [as well as] seedlings, up to a five-year period. The Coconut Board spends on average $150 million per year to support our registered coconut farmers,” Mr. Cameron said.

Meanwhile, Plant Pathologist for the Coconut Industry Board, Dr. Wayne Myrie said the intention is to expand the initiative to assist farmer groups across the island.

“This is a programme that we hope to expand, bearing in mind that we are giving seedlings to other farmers as well,” he said.

Fifteen coconut farmers from Bog Walk in Parish, also received inputs under the programme.

06 Jan 2025
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro ,

Agro-Invest drives agricultural investments, food security

 

 

From- The Gleaner:

The Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) says significant progress has been made in its mission to strengthen the agricultural sector and address the challenges posed by climate change.

Through a series of strategic partnerships and initiatives, the corporation indicated that it has launched a comprehensive greenhouse rehabilitation project across its agro parks and properties in St Catherine, Clarendon, and Manchester.

“These initiatives are integral to Agro-Invest’s broader commitment to strengthening food security, expanding market access, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices,” the corporation added.

Among the initiatives is the Ginger Greenhouse Rehabilitation at Ebony Agro Park in Clarendon, in partnership with JA Spices.

The project, launched in 2023, is aimed at revitalising Jamaica’s spice industry. It focuses on cultivating clean, rhizome-free ginger using Single-Bud technology.

“This initiative is part of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress Jamaica Spices Project, which seeks to modernise and strengthen the spice industry through the production of high-quality planting materials for local consumption, export, and value-added products,” Agro-Invest said.

Over the past year, three greenhouses have been rehabilitated: the first by Agro-Invest and the second and third by the JA Spices Project. The project has already seen two successful harvests of clean seedling ginger, which have been distributed to farms across the Ebony Agro Park. The third planting cycle is currently under way, completing the expansion of the third greenhouse.

The initiative is intended to benefit more than 7,500 agricultural stakeholders, including women, youth, and marginalised groups, by creating new economic opportunities and ensuring a sustainable spice sector. In collaboration with ACDI/VOCA, the project is anticipated to strengthen resilience and promote equitable growth.

Another collaboration, this time with World University Service of Canada (WUSC), is the Sweet Potato Planting Material Nursery at Amity Hall Agro Park in St Catherine.

Through a newly signed memorandum of understanding, the two organisations are working together to develop this nursery at the Amity Hall Agro Park in St Catherine. The nursery will focus on producing virus-resistant planting materials, addressing pest and disease pressures that have historically hampered productivity.

Aligned with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining’s New F.A.C.E. of Food initiative — which aims to transform the agri-food system with a focus on food security, agro-processing, climate resilience and export expansion – this collaboration also includes research into biological controls for pest management. WUSC will support the importation of 10 sweet potato varieties from the International Potato Centre in Peru, which will be tested for productivity and pest resistance. The greenhouse renovation is on track for completion by January 2025, laying the groundwork for transformative impacts on sweet potato farming.

Agro-Invest has also commenced rehabilitation of a 12,000-square-foot greenhouse in Coleyville, Manchester. This project aims to attract public-private partnership investors for the cultivation of high-demand vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes and bell peppers, catering to the local grocery channel and expanding hotel industry.

The facility will feature modern technologies, including hydroponics and water-efficient systems, to optimise vegetable production, while minimising environmental impact. By providing a secure and controlled environment, this greenhouse should ensure year-round production, improved crop quality, and protection from adverse weather conditions. It aligns with the growing demand for locally produced vegetables, contributing to the agricultural value chain and bolstering food security.

DRIVING AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY

Agro-Invest said these greenhouse rehabilitation projects reflect its unwavering dedication to fostering sustainable agricultural practices, improving food security, and enhancing market access for local farmers. In addition, the corporation noted that through partnerships with JA Spices, ACDI/VOCA, WUSC, and other agricultural investors, it is working to create long-term value for Jamaican farmers and strengthen local food production.

“We are excited about advancing climate-smart agriculture through our greenhouse rehabilitation initiatives,” said Vivion Scully, CEO of Agro-Invest. “These projects not only help mitigate the effects of climate change, but also ensure that Jamaican farmers are equipped with the tools and resources they need to thrive. As we continue to collaborate with our valued partners, we are keen on attracting new investments in agriculture to ensure food security, agricultural sustainability, and the overall growth of the sector.”

 

15 Nov 2024
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro

PRESS RELEASE Nov 8, 2024-Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM) and Agro-Investment Corporation Sign MoU to Transform Former Bauxite Lands into Agricultural Hub

Kingston, Jamaica — The Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM) and Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive agricultural development and investment in Jamaica by converting former bauxite mining lands into innovative agricultural hub. This collaboration aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining’s goals of advancing sustainable agribusiness and climate resilience.

Under the MoU, that was executed on November 7, 2024, the entities have agreed that on JBM’s former bauxite lands in Lydford, St. Ann, a designated 670 acres will be used to facilitate the development of a transformational and technologically advanced Agro Park.

The Agro-Park will serve as a model for sustainable agribusiness, employing climate-smart practices and offering lease opportunities for investors and for small and medium-sized farmers through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA). JBM already has existing farmers utilizing some of these lands. The initial phase of the plan seeks to regularise these farmers, ensuring support is given to enhance their productivity. This regularization step will complement the transition into the progressive Agro-Park. Farmers within the Agro-Park will benefit from access to irrigation systems, cold storage facilities, vertical farming or greenhouses, and transportation networks. These resources will enable them to grow high-quality crops and reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh produce for both the domestic and international markets.

Agro-Invest will lead the design and operational model, coordinate with stakeholders, and offer technical expertise in areas like agronomy, land management, and resource planning. Both entities aim to attract investments that will support infrastructure, operations, and growth in Jamaica’s agricultural sector, enhancing production efficiency, crop diversification, and enhance supply chains.

Key Objectives of the MoU:

• Utilize former bauxite land for productive agricultural purposes
• Establish a framework to promote investment in agriculture and agribusiness
• Facilitate market linkages between farmers and high-demand sectors, such as expanding tourism sector
• Support sustainable development through climate-smart technologies and environmentally friendly practices

The MoU further outlines the establishment of a Project Management Committee (PMC) to oversee the collaboration and ensure the successful execution of shared goals of the MoU.

Beyond farming, the AgroPark will also support youth engagement and community empowerment. Both entities believe it is essential to attract the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs, and the AgroPark will offer training programmes, internships, and mentorship opportunities. By engaging young people, we aim to inspire innovation and ensure the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.

“This partnership reflects Agro-Invest’s commitment to transforming underutilized lands into productive agricultural assets that benefit both the economy and the environment,” said Vivion Scully, CEO of Agro-Investment Corporation. “Together with JBM, we aim to establish a sustainable model that empowers local farmers and contributes to Jamaica’s food security and economic growth.”

Donna Marie Howe, Managing Director of JBM, added, “Through land reclamation efforts, we restore the fertility and productivity, giving new life into productive farmlands. This process rejuvenates the environment and unlocks new economic opportunities for farmers and their community agricultural hubs. Our collaboration with Agro-Invest will drive meaningful change, it will engender a platform for agro-processing and value-added production. By supporting farmers in converting raw produce into finished products, we help them capture greater value and expand into new markets. This shift from primary production to value-added activities will play a key role in strengthening Jamaica’s agricultural exports and increasing profitability for local small and medium farmers to thrive in a modern agricultural landscape. These collaborations will create an interconnected network that supports the entire agricultural value chain”.

JBM’s commitment to agriculture extends beyond the Agro-Park. We will continue working with farmers, communities, and policymakers to develop initiatives that promote sustainable practices, economic growth, and social well-being. Through initiatives like this MoU, JBM and Agro-Invest, will continue to be a contributor and beacon for national development. Together, we will cultivate a future where agriculture grows alongside other sectors, ensuring prosperity and sustainability for all.

For further inquiries, please contact: ALECIA BROWN-FORBES, Manager, Marketing & Communications, Agro-Investment Corporation. Tel: (876) 878-0616; Email: abrown-forbes@agroinvest.gov.jm OR KEISHA SCHOOLER, Manager, Commercial Properties, Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM). Tel: (876) 337-2387; Email: keisha.schooler@jbm.gov.jm

28 Oct 2024
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro

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!

15 Oct 2024
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro, Economic

PRESS RELEASE Oct 14, 2024-The Agro-Investment Corporation on a Strategic Drive to Repurpose Non-Performing Assets

KINGSTON, Jamaica: – The Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest), the investment facilitation arm of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, has embarked on a drive to identify, reclaim, and repurpose under-utilized assets under its charge. To this end, Agro-Invest will seek to regularize tenure arrangements, rehabilitate and retrofit properties in disrepair, and seek investors to lease and operate storage and processing facilities. The updates are as follows:

New Forest Packaging House Facility

This packing house facility, completed in 2018 through an investment loan to the Government of Jamaica as part of the Agricultural Competitiveness Programme, has never been operationalized. In 2023, Agro-Invest entered discussions with the New Forest/Duff House Water Users Group to finalize a lease arrangement for the facility’s operations. However, these discussions did not result in an agreement, and Agro-Invest is now taking steps to attract agri-business investors to manage and operate the facility. The focus is on securing partners eager to support value-added Agro-processing operations, utilizing local agricultural output to stimulate economic activity in St. Elizabeth and beyond.

Agro-Invest views this move as an opportunity to breathe new life into a significant agricultural asset that has not yet been fully utilized. Positioned in a region known for its farming activities, the packing house has the capacity to bolster agricultural productivity, boost export potential, and empower local farmers to capitalize on value-added opportunities.

Coleyville Cold Storage Facility

Design work has been completed for the rehabilitation of the Cold Storage facility, which includes electrical and photovoltaic systems for renewable energy, as well as a wastewater treatment system. The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) will now undertake a tender process to secure a contractor for refurbishing the six storage bays.

Chairman of Agro-Invest, Ian Murry, expressed the corporation’s enthusiasm for the future of both facilities: “We see incredible potential in both the New Forest Packaging House and the Coleyville Cold Storage Facility. These are key resources that can play transformational roles in Jamaica’s agricultural value chain. The New Forest facility can boost post-harvest processing, ensuring that our farmers’ products meet the highest standards, while Coleyville offers critical storage solutions that will enhance the shelf life of produce, opening doors to new markets and opportunities.”

By optimizing these facilities, Agro-Invest aims to maximize their contribution to the sector’s growth and sustainability.

Agro-Invest remains committed to advancing public-private partnerships that drive growth in Jamaica’s agricultural sector. As the corporation continues to repurpose critical assets, its goal remains clear: to ensure that every resource is fully leveraged for the benefit of Jamaica’s farming communities and the nation’s broader economic development.

For further inquiries, please contact: ALECIA BROWN-FORBES, Manager, Marketing & Communications, Agro-Investment Corporation. Tel: (876) 878-0616,

Email: abrown-forbes@agroinvest.gov.jm

New Forest/Duff House Packing House Facility – Manchester
Coleyville Cold Storage Facility – Manchester
17 Sep 2024
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro

Lease Handover Ceremony Boosts Agricultural Development in St. Ann

On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, a significant Lease Handover Ceremony was held at the Lyford Baptist Church in Hines Town, St. Ann, marking a major advancement in Jamaica’s agricultural sector. The event, organized by the Agro-Investment Corporation, celebrated the formal transfer of lease agreements to 55 farmers and investors in the Islington, Mount Pleasant, and Harmony Hall areas of Southeast St. Ann. This ceremony underscored a major step forward in enhancing the region’s agricultural landscape.

Vivion Scully, CEO of Agro-Investment Corporation, delivered an impactful address highlighting the organization’s dedication to cultivating not just the land but also the growth and prosperity of Jamaica’s agricultural community. In his opening remarks, Scully emphasized the strategic importance of key crops such as hot peppers, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins. These crops were chosen for their significance in Jamaican cuisine and their current demand to supply an expanding number of hotels, agro-processors, and export markets. By boosting local production, the initiative seeks to stabilize prices and ensure a steady supply of these crucial farm produce.

Scully also drew attention to additional support mechanisms, including the Hurricane Beryl Plan Recovery Programme, which will aid farmers with essential inputs. He also discussed the upcoming Hines Town Irrigation Project, designed to improve agricultural productivity and resilience. Scully commended the ‘Taste of Jamaica’ farm for its positive impact on the community and its role as a notable attraction in the agri-tourism sector.

The Hon. Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, emphasized the critical role of formal land tenures for farmers. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment, through the Agro-Investment Corporation, to regularizing farmland and providing formal leases to those who have been cultivating land informally. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the quality of life for farmers and ensuring greater stability in their agricultural endeavors.

Minister Green also detailed the comprehensive support services offered by Agro-Investment Corporation, including personalized assistance throughout the investment process. From business planning and facilitation to market linkage opportunities, these services are designed to support investors from the initial stages through to successful market entry, equipping them with the resources and guidance needed to excel in the agricultural sector.

The Lease Handover Ceremony culminated with an exciting tour of two local farms: the ‘Taste of Jamaica’ farm and Rogers Potato Farm. This tour provided attendees with a firsthand look at successful agricultural practices and innovations within the region.

The Lease Handover Ceremony represents a key milestone in the collective efforts to strengthen Jamaica’s agricultural sector. By granting formal land leases to committed farmers, this initiative aims to boost productivity, ensure food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices throughout the country.

13 Aug 2024
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro

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.

24 Jun 2024
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro, Economic

The SPAD Project Attracts Interest from Jamaican Diaspora Investors

Transforming Jamaica’s Agricultural Future

In a significant boost to Jamaica’s agricultural sector, the recently launched Southern Plains Agricultural Development (SPAD) project has garnered considerable interest from investors within the Jamaican Diaspora. This ambitious project, targeting improved crop production in the parishes of St. Catherine and Clarendon, promises to bring transformative changes to the agricultural landscape of the region.

The 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, held from June 16 to 19 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC) in St. James, served as a pivotal platform for disseminating information about the SPAD project. The Agro-Investment Corporation, along with other public entities, actively participated in the conference to engage with members of the Jamaican Diaspora.

This conference provided a unique opportunity for diaspora members to learn about investment opportunities in the SPAD project. Their interest and potential investments are seen as crucial for the project’s success, bringing in not only financial resources but also a wealth of knowledge and expertise from abroad.

The Southern Plains Agricultural Development project is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development. With the combined support of the Jamaican government, international partners, and the diaspora, the future of agriculture in Jamaica looks bright and promising.

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