Agro-Invest and WUSC Partner to Develop Sweet Potato Planting Material Nursery

Kingston, Jamaica – The Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) and the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) have announced a strategic partnership to address the increasing challenges facing sweet potato production in Jamaica. The two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 19, 2024, to collaborate on the development of a sweet potato planting material nursery, which will focus on producing clean, virus-resistant planting materials and conducting crucial research to enhance the sustainability of the crop.

As sweet potato farmers in Jamaica continue to face pressure from pests and diseases, the need for clean planting material has never been more urgent. This project is designed to mitigate the economic impact of these challenges by developing pest and pathogen-resistant sweet potato varieties. The initiative also includes a research component that will explore the use of biological controls, such as Beauveria bassiana, for managing the destructive sweet potato weevil.

Sweet potato is one of the priority crops under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining’s New F.A.C.E. of Food initiative, which focuses on transforming the agriculture sector through food security, agribusiness development, climate smart technologies and export expansion. This partnership aligns with the Ministry’s objectives by addressing critical challenges in sweet potato production, particularly the need for clean, virus-free planting material.

WUSC’s Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) initiative plays a central role in improving food security, increasing agricultural productivity, and fostering climate-resilient farming practices across the region. As part of this effort, the MoU outlines WUSC’s support for Agro-Invest in refurbishing a greenhouse at the Amity Hall Agro Park in St. Catherine to produce clean, virus-indexed sweet potato planting materials. Additionally, WUSC will facilitate the importation of 10 sweet potato varieties from the International Potato Centre in Peru, which will be tested for their productivity, pest resistance, and overall palatability.

Key Project Areas:

• Research and Development: WUSC and Agro-Invest will trial 10 varieties of sweet potato from the International Potato Centre for pest and virus resistance. The project will also investigate the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana as a biological control for sweet potato weevils.
• Clean Planting Material: The initiative will focus on producing clean, virus-indexed planting material to ensure higher yields and reduce the spread of disease among farmers.
• Farmer Engagement and Support: Agro-Invest will lead efforts to engage women and youth farmers in Agro Parks across the island, providing them with the tools and resources to establish demonstration plots. These plots will serve as sites for testing and sharing the benefits of the new sweet potato varieties and pest management strategies.
• Sustainable Practices: The project is designed to promote climate-resilient agronomic practices, increase productivity, and reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, supporting both the environment and the economy.
• Investment in Agricultural Research: The JMD 7,189,441.49 investment will fund research, development, and the establishment of the clean planting material program, which will have a long-term impact on the sector’s resilience and productivity.

Agro-Invest will take the lead in overseeing the renovation of the greenhouse, coordinating the testing of new sweet potato varieties, and engaging farmers across the island. The organization will also manage the production of clean planting material and ensure ongoing maintenance of the nursery at Amity Hall Agro Park. Agro-Invest will maintain a registry of participating farmers and track the impact of the initiative on their productivity and revenue.

WUSC will support the project through technical assistance, including the provision of research funding and the facilitation of trials for pest-resistant sweet potato varieties. WUSC will also help with data collection, analysis, and sharing of results to ensure that the project’s goals are met and that the knowledge gained is disseminated to stakeholders across the region.

CEO of Agro-Invest, Mr. Vivion Scully, shared that”this partnership with WUSC marks a pivotal moment in the growth of Jamaica’s agricultural sector. By focusing on the production of clean, virus-resistant planting material and conducting crucial research, we are not only tackling the immediate challenges our farmers face but also securing the long-term sustainability of sweet potato farming in Jamaica. Together, we have the opportunity to strengthen our agricultural system, creating lasting benefits for farmers, our economy, and the wider community.”

Shehryar Sarwar, Head of Development Cooperation, Jamaica, Global Affairs Canada, added that”Canada is proud to support initiatives that drive sustainable agriculture and food security in Jamaica. This collaboration between WUSC and Agro-Invest exemplifies the power of international partnerships in addressing local agricultural challenges. By advancing the development of clean planting materials and innovative pest management strategies, this project will significantly boost the resilience of Jamaica’s sweet potato sector, benefiting farmers, particularly women and youth, while contributing to the overall growth of the nation’s agricultural industry.”

This partnership represents a major step forward in overcoming the challenges faced by Jamaica’s sweet potato farmers and will play a key role in ensuring the long-term viability of the sector.

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 PATRICE GILPIN, Regional Communication Specialist, WUSC Caribbean.  Tel: (876) 876-279-2327; Email:    pgilpin@wusc.ca

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