Agro-InvestNews
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.

04 Jun 2024
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro, Economic

Apply For Your Land Lease In The Southern Plains Agricultural Development: 795 Hectares for Diverse Agricultural Projects

Come June, applications will open for investors to access 795 hectares (1900 acres) of land for lease, across three Agro Parks in St Catherine and Clarendon, under the Southern Plains Agricultural Development of 5- to 24-acre plots, for diverse agricultural projects. The land is available at Amity Hall and Ridge Pen in St Catherine, as well as Parnassus in Clarendon, with 25 per cent of that acreage being set aside for youth, women and persons with disabilities.

On Saturday, when The Gleaner caught up with chief executive officer of the Agro-Invest Corporation, Vivion Scully, during the annual agricultural, industrial and food show, he spoke to some of the incentives that would make investment attractive. These include excellent irrigation systems and access to established roadworks, with the land suitable for orchard crops such as mangoes, breadfruit, ackee and avocado, as well as cash crops.

“It’s fully irrigated and is the largest release of land in one go by Agro-Invest. We are looking forward to applications from investors right now and the lands will be ready towards the end of the year. The interesting thing about these opportunities is that once you are approved, you can get a matching grant from $250,000 up to $1.2 million,” the CEO disclosed.

Scully went on to explain that the grants will be matched against the financial outlay of the investors in terms of the money spent on lease for the land, irrigation infrastructure, labour and other expenditure.

Agro-Invest operates eight agroparks spread across 13 production zones and production has been on the rise over the past five years. Scully explained that is due in large measure to the ongoing support provided by the agency through the introduction of new and emerging technology, as well as the steady and consistent technical support from its team of agronomists who work with the investors. Over this period, climate change in general and the ongoing global heatwave in particular, has been throwing up some harsh lessons and Agro-Invest has been taking note, Scully added.

“In anticipation of the growing impact that climate change is likely to have on domestic agriculture, we are also retrofitting a number of greenhouses, also on the Agro parks, so that we can maintain production in times when the temperature gets warmer. We have seen that already some crops are not doing well in the heat. We noticed throughout last year that a number of the pepper producers, their production was slightly down and we think this was due to the ongoing heatwave. Tomatoes, lettuce – those crops are having a challenge as the time gets hotter.”

The ongoing drive to achieve greater levels of food security and nutrition is achievable, according to Scully who pointed to the fact that local farmers did an excellent job of feeding the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the fallout in cargo shipments negatively impacted availability of foreign foods.

“We have seen evidence of that during COVID, where despite the slowdown in food imports, Jamaican farmers drilled down and provided consistent food supply throughout that period. So programmes like these will go a long way in ensuring that we have resilience in and continuity of our food supply. Also, we have seen where local fast-food chains are sourcing a lot of their supplies from Jamaican farmers.”

Encouraged by these developments, Agro-Invest is looking at other ways to attract new investments in food production.

“Our goal is to continue to increase the acreage under cultivation and we just acquired eleven hundred acres in the Hinds Town area of St Ann and we are also working on a new agropark in collaboration with Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited which is also going to be in St Ann,” Scully disclosed.

The annual agricultural, industrial and food show was hosted by the Kingston and St Andrew Association of Branch Societies of the Jamaica Agricultural Society on the grounds of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and Mining at Hope Gardens.

editorial@gleanerjm.com

Applications should be made to Agro-Invest Corporation, AMC Complex, 188 Spanish Town Road, Kingston 11 or applications@agroinvest.gov.jm. Persons interested in finding out more may call 876-923-0086/876-923-7428 or by emailing info@agroinvest.gov.jm The project is supported by the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Development Fund, as well as the Caribbean Development Bank.

08 Apr 2024
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro

Agro-Invest and JAMPRO Forge New Partnership to Bolster Agricultural Sector

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the agricultural landscape of Jamaica, the Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) and the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) have entered into a strategic partnership. This collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on April 4, at the JAMPRO corporate offices in Kingston, marking a pivotal moment for the future of agricultural investment and export growth in the region. Key to this partnership is the emphasis on lease agreements, which will facilitate the optimal use of agricultural lands.

The ceremony saw key figures from both entities come together in a show of unity and commitment towards a shared vision for Jamaica’s agricultural sector. Vivion Scully, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Agro-Invest, and Shullette Cox, President of JAMPRO, were the principal signatories of the MOU, symbolizing the bridge being built between these two cornerstone institutions to foster development within the agribusiness sphere through effective lease arrangements.

Witnessing this momentous occasion were Ian Murray, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Agro-Invest, and Ian Levy, Deputy Chairman at JAMPRO, both of whom expressed optimism about the prospects this agreement unlocks for the agricultural community and the nation at large. They highlighted the importance of structured lease agreements in ensuring that agricultural lands are utilized efficiently and sustainably.

Under this new agreement, Agro-Invest and JAMPRO pledge to work closely in identifying, developing, and marketing agricultural investment projects. This collaboration extends to the packaging and promotion of these initiatives, aiming to attract local and international investors to Jamaica’s fertile agricultural sector. Moreover, a significant focus of this partnership is to catalyze the growth of agribusiness exports, ensuring that Jamaica’s agricultural products gain greater visibility and access to markets beyond its shores. Effective lease strategies will play a crucial role in making these projects viable and attractive to investors.

This MOU represents more than just a formal agreement; it is a commitment to actionable collaboration that will drive the development and expansion of Jamaica’s agribusiness sector. By leveraging each organization’s strengths, particularly through strategic lease agreements, Agro-Invest and JAMPRO are set to usher in a new era of agricultural prosperity. This initiative will contribute to sustainable economic growth and the enhancement of Jamaica’s global agricultural footprint, showcasing the vital role that leasing plays in agricultural development.

16 Feb 2024
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro

Celebrating Excellence: Minard Estate Shines at Hague Agricultural Show

 

At the recent Hague Agricultural Show, organized by the Jamaica Agricultural Society, Agro-Invest Corporation proudly showcased the Minard Estate Cattle Farm, presenting three main cattle breeds and highlighting its commitment to improving beef cattle genetics in Trelawny. This effort was recognized with a prestigious award for its significant contribution to the agricultural sector, presented by the Honourable Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. This accolade, supported by partnerships with the Jamaica Dairy Development Board and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, underscores Agro-Invest’s dedication to advancing Jamaica’s agricultural landscape through innovation and collaboration. As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded of the importance of our collective efforts in enhancing food security and economic development in Jamaica. Follow our journey on Instagram (@agroinvestja) as we continue to contribute to a sustainable future.

01 Feb 2024
0 Comments By Najay McLean Agro

Agro-Invest CEO bats for improved supply chains

 

 

 

 

 

This article was originally published by the Jamaica Observer on January 31, 2024. The original article can be found here.

In a bid to strengthen local supply chains between the agriculture sector and hotels, the business development and investment facilitation arm of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest), is encouraging more investment in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables.

Highlighting that the tourism sector is set to grow with the addition of new rooms over the next decade, CEO of Agro-Invest Vivion Scully issued an invitation to potential investors during a recent Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining F.A.C.E of Food Stakeholder Engagement Session held in Montego Bay, St James. There he underscored the need to meet both current and future demands for agricultural produce and strengthen linkages between the agriculture and hospitality sectors.

“As you know, the tourism sector has just over 30,000 rooms. Based on the gains that are being made in the sector, we are likely to see an additional 10,000 to 20,000 rooms over the next five to 10 years. They’ve added about 2,000 in the last two years and there are several projects on stream right now,” he told the
Jamaica Observer in a subsequent interview.

“So one of the concerns that the sector is seeing is substantial fluctuation in the supply of fresh vegetables and fruits from Jamaica, and it’s actually urging them and several of the producers — the suppiers of produce to the hotels — to import fruits and vegetables as well,” he continued.

In 2023 alone, Jamaica hosted approximately 4.1 million visitors, and this, Scully believes, is a clear indication that demand for local produce will continue to grow as more hotel rooms are added. With this in mind, he argues that there is “tremendous potential for investors” in the agriculture sector.

“So, what we’re doing at Agro-Invest is that we’re inviting investment into the sector not just to supply the current needs but to position themselves for the growth trajectory that is expected over the next three to five years,” he explained.

Agro-Invest manages a significant portion of the Government’s land bank for agriculture use and currently leases about 8,000 acres to farmers, investors and corporate entities to grow a variety of produce such as Scotch bonnet peppers, potatoes, and onions. The corporation is planning to increase the lands under lease to 10,000 acres over the next year with the launch of Southern Plains Agricultural Development project, then another 12,000 acres thereafter.

Set to launch this year, the Southern Plains Agricultural Development project is leasing lands in St Catherine and Clarendon for the purpose of growing fruits and vegetables. The project aims to improve supply chain efficiency while encouraging investment in Jamaica “to unlock the immense potential within its agricultural landscape”.

When asked if the project will threaten the Government’s self-sufficiency programmes that aim to improve the production of potatoes and onions, Scully noted that it will instead will be complementary to them.

While noting that increasing the production of fruits and vegetables is an integrated process where all stakeholders work collaboratively, Scully said, “We’ve been having an ongoing dialogue with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, and distributors of produce and farmers and hotels with the view to bring all of them to the table.”

According to the Agro-Invest, the project will work in harmony with the nation’s agricultural policy, emphasising diversification for self-sufficiency, export expansion, and support for the burgeoning tourism industry.

“By cultivating high-demand vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, melons, cantaloupes, and broccoli, investors can significantly contribute to meeting the rising demand for fresh, locally sourced produce in Jamaica’s evolving tourism landscape,” the corporation stated in a release.

 

Scully also shared that the challenge in meeting the growing demand in the local hotel sector is compounded by rising demand for produce among local agro-business producers who are trying to satisfy export needs.

“Right now, we are having challenges with Scotch bonnet pepper supplies and scallion, not only because the hotels are growing but [also because] the agro producers are growing. All the people who are doing pepper sauces are seeing increased demand for the product in the export market,” he told the
Business Observer.

Moreover, he said that the challenge of climate interruptions is not making it easy to supply both local and export demand. The world recorded its hottest year in 2023 with Jamaica seeing temperatures in the summer rising to the mid-30s in Celsius.

It is for this reason Scully believes that increasing the acreage of lands under agricultural production could be a mitigating measure to a decline in output.

“Because if you had 50 acres under production and climate change is impacting you that your production is going down by 10 per cent, you can offset that by increasing the amount of acreage under production,” he noted.

The Agro-Invest CEO added further that the lands leased under the Southern Plains Agricultural Development project will have irrigation.

“The majority of our lands are usually irrigated, and in fact the Southern Plains is going to be a 100 per cent irrigated by the NIC (National Irrigation Commission). The irrigation has already been built out and the project is about 90 per cent completion now. So, once we close the loop on the reservoir that’s being installed, then the contracts will be handed over to investors who would have applied,” Scully pointed out.

“It’s a ready-made market and it’s something the investment community should look at and that’s what we’re inviting persons to do right now,” he added.

Another measure he said the agro-business development agency has embarked on to secure supply chains to hotels is installing post-harvest storage facilities across Jamaica.

He said that another project geared towards increasing greenhouses is now in the works to strengthen supply chains to hotels.

“We have a couple of greenhouses we are resuscitating and we’re also making 100 acres of land available in St Ann close to the hotels, where farmers can establish greenhouse operations in the Hinds Town area,” Scully stated.

“The pilot will be launched this year in the next six months and then based on demand we will expand,” he informed the
Business Observer.

The Agro-Invest team is working with a number of international donor agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture on the projects.

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