KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica is finalising efforts to launch a 10-year agricultural development plan following extensive consultations with farmers, researchers, exporters, private-sector stakeholders and development partners.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Minister, Floyd Green, announcing a 10 year-agricultural development planAgriculture, Fisheries and Mining Minister, Floyd Green, said the plan is expected to guide the sustainable growth of Jamaica’s agricultural sector.
“We have been on the road, we spoke to our farmers, officials, researchers, exporters, private sector developmental partners, we’ve listened carefully to what they have said, we’ve brought in consultants to look at how do we craft a development plan for agriculture that will stand the test of time,” Green told the 72nd Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show on Sunday.
“.. we are on the final leg and we expect to launch our 10-year agricultural development plan at the Caribbean Week of Agriculture at the end of this month and we think that’s a big step in the right direction,” he added.
The 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture will take place in Jamaica from September 27 to October 2, this year and is regarded as the region’s premier agricultural event that features seminars; statutory meetings of regional agriculture organisations; and other key forums, including a special meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).
It will be held under the theme “The New FACE of Caribbean Food Systems (FACE), which FACE represents Food Security, Agri-Business, Climate-Smart Technologies, and Export Expansion.
Greene told the weekend event that while technological advancements do pose threats to certain jobs, food production will always require the human element.
“One of the messages that our youth must understand, as the world advances, as we look at things like artificial intelligence, as we think about the jobs that are under threat, no matter what happens in this world, we will have to eat.
“Even if you’re writing the programme for AI, you will have to eat. So, AI will never replace our farmers and food production,” the added.
Greene said that his ministry is actively working to remove barriers that often prevent young people from getting involved in agriculture.
He highlighted the Rural Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (RYEEP) which is an entrepreneurial training platformed organised by the Jamaica 4-H Clubs in partnership with HEART/NSTA Trust.
“Why RYEEP is working is because it takes a practical approach. It takes you where you are, it provides you with practical training, and it provides you with grant support so you can expand,” Green said.
Additional support provided by the ministry is reserving land in agro-parks for young people and assisting with land preparation and agricultural inputs.
“Last year, we reserved 25 per cent of our land [in agro-parks] for young people. I’m pleased to announce that we have passed that mark and last year, of all the land in the agro-park that we leased, 34 per cent of it went to youth in agriculture.”
