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

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