The Agro Parks and Production Zones Department at Agro Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) is at the forefront of driving agricultural development and innovation in Jamaica. This department oversees the planning, development, and management of Agro Parks and Production Zones, which serve as strategic locations for agricultural production, research, and commercial activities. In this overview, we provide insight into the key responsibilities and functions of the Agro Parks and Production Zones Department.
- Boosting Production: The Agro Parks and Production Zones Department is dedicated to boosting agricultural production within the Agro Parks and Production Zones. Through targeted initiatives and support programs, the department actively encourages and assists farmers and investors in increasing their production capacities. This includes providing technical assistance, access to modern farming technologies, and best practices guidance to optimize crop yields and enhance overall productivity. The department also collaborates with research institutions and industry experts to introduce innovative farming techniques and technologies that can significantly improve production outcomes.
- Technical Assistance and Training: The Agro Parks and Production Zones Department provides technical assistance and training programs to farmers, investors, and other stakeholders operating within the Agro Parks and Production Zones. This includes offering guidance on best agricultural practices, providing access to modern farming technologies and techniques, and organizing training sessions on topics such as crop cultivation, livestock management, post-harvest handling, and marketing strategies. By equipping farmers and investors with the necessary skills and knowledge, the department empowers them to enhance their production capabilities and meet market demands effectively.
- Research and Innovation: A core focus of the department is to foster research and innovation within the Agro Parks and Production Zones. This involves collaborating with research institutions, universities, and technology providers to facilitate research trials, develop new farming techniques, and promote the adoption of innovative technologies and practices. By actively supporting research and innovation, the department aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainability, and drive the growth of the agricultural sector.
- Market Linkages: The Agro Park Department plays a vital role in establishing market linkages for agricultural producers. By creating connections between farmers and domestic as well as international markets, the department facilitates the sale and distribution of agricultural products grown within the Agro Parks. This includes vegetables, tubers, condiments, spices, and orchard crops. The department actively seeks opportunities to attract local and international buyers, fostering engagement in agri-business ventures. By developing and strengthening market linkages, the Agro Park department contributes to the economic growth and expansion of the agricultural sector.
What is an Agro-Park?
An Agro Park is an area of intensive agricultural production which seeks to integrate all facets of the agricultural value chain from pre-production activities (land clearing, access roads, irrigation, and drainage) to production, post harvesting and marketing.
All these activities are being executed within the framework of a tripartite partnership involving the government, the farmers/investors and marketing entities. Agro Parks are a critical component of the government’s thrust towards economic development, and in particular foreign exchange earnings and savings.
What are the advantages of leasing land on the Agro-Park?
- Facilitates public/private partnerships
- Promote efficiency in resource allocation and utilization of assets and resources
- Efficiency in service delivery e.g. management, extension and technical support
- Improved economies of scale – in the purchasing of goods and services
- Improved market access
- Sharing of knowledge among investors
- Promote and encourage sustainability
- Create long term and seasonal employment
- Create focal points for agricultural development
The Agro Park Programme and how it functions:
- To improve farm planning and technology inputs to put into effect the required improvements identified along the product value chains in order to realize increased production and productivity and improved competitiveness.
- To provide irrigation and drainage infrastructure
- To provide farm layout and road networks
- To establish structured marketing arrangements for products produced in the Agro Parks
- To provide cluster development services that will enhance the development of properly organized and appropriately strengthened farmer groups operating within a cluster arrangement and certified production systems
- To provide quality management systems (Global Gap Certification)