The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining has recently reinvigorated its Fruit Tree Crop Project, entrusting the Agro-Investment Corporation with the task of providing lucrative orchard crop investment opportunities. These opportunities allow interested investors to cultivate a diverse range of fruit tree crops, including ackee, breadfruit, jackfruit, Otaheite apples, and avocado.

Beginning in 2021, the opportunity to establish orchard crop production at our Amity Hall and Spring Plain Agro Parks, located in St. Catherine and Clarendon respectively, has been made available. Interested individuals have been granted lot sizes ranging from 20 to 50 acres to fulfil their investment aspirations.

The Amity Hall Agro Park, nestled off the Old Harbour main road in St. Catherine, boasts a predominantly Sydenham clay soil type. Spanning an extensive 2,340 acres, this location offers an ideal environment for the development of integrated agro-industrial systems, accommodating the production of both cash and fruit tree crops (orchard crops).

On the other hand, the Spring Plain Agro Park, situated off the Toll Gate Main Road in Clarendon, is approximately 15km from the parish capital, May Pen, and 55km from Kingston, the country's major commercial district. Characterized by predominantly clay and clay loams soil types, derived from the deposits of the Rio Minho and Milk rivers, this park features a mix of bonny gate stoney loam and Four Paths loam soils. Covering 944 acres, the Spring Plain Agro Park is conducive to the production of tubers, cucurbits, orchard crops such as fruit trees (mangoes, jackfruit, Otaheite apples, avocado, and breadfruit), condiments, and vegetables.

Both parks cater to investors seeking upwards of 20 acres of land for agricultural ventures. These prime locations, coupled with the diverse crop options and supportive infrastructure, make them attractive prospects for those looking to capitalize on the expanding agricultural sector in Jamaica.

 

Why Consider Investing in Orchard Crops?

Investing in fruit trees presents one of the most valuable agricultural opportunities in Jamaica, characterized by a capital cost during the development phase followed by sustained benefits over several years.

Unlike many fixed assets that depreciate over time, fruit trees appreciate as they mature, with yields increasing over the years. Some tree crops, such as breadfruit, mangoes, coconut, ackee, avocado, and citrus, can have an economic lifespan exceeding 50 years. One significant advantage of fruit trees over annual crops is that once established, they require minimal ongoing maintenance or recurrent costs to continue producing.

Fruit trees like breadfruit, ackee, avocado, coconut, and mango are essential staples in rural Jamaica, playing a crucial role in the country's food-security system. These trees have long been integral to rural communities, providing sustenance and helping to alleviate hunger among the less privileged.

For instance, the cultivation of ackee is not only culturally significant but also lucrative, contributing significantly to Jamaica's economy. The country earned an estimated US$40 million from exports of canned ackee products. Additionally, fruits like the Otaheite apple and jackfruit have emerged as major sellers in the local market and are in high demand in Diaspora areas such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. To capitalize on these opportunities, priority will be given to cultivating these fruits across the Amity Hall and Spring Plain Agro Parks.