THE Inter-Americanç(IDB) has listed a stable climate, natural pollination, good soils, moisture, and other features of the natural environment as key elements of a successful agricultural sector, sustainable growth and poverty reduction.

But these can only be achieved “if economic activities associated with this sector are more competitive, more socially inclusive and develop in a manner that is environmentally sustainable”, according to Country representative Therese Turner-Jones.

Addressing the recent Harvest the Future International Symposium in Montego Bay, Turner-Jones said the IDB’s goal was to accelerate the growth of agricultural input in the Caribbean while promoting efficient and sustainable management of natural resources.

She said that in order to maintain or increase agricultural growth and to face the challenges of feeding an increasing population and adapting to the impacts of climate change, the IDB helps farmers increase their productivity with greater access to markets, better agricultural acres and increased investments.”

In this regard she noted that the IDB approved US$15-M for the Competitiveness Programme in 2010 aimed at financing priority areas in the agricultural sector including the Government of Jamaica’s Agro Parks initiative.

Nine parks have been established under the programme, designed to modernise Jamaica’s agricultural sector, contribute to reducing the island’s almost US$1 billion food import bill, increase exports and create jobs. To date there is a total of 396 participating farmers/investors with approximately 754 hectares under production in crops like sorghum and hay for local animal feed substitution, onion, ginger, vegetables, fruits and tubers.

Addressing the conference on June 16, 2015, Wayne Beecher, Senior Specialist, Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) attributed the success of the Parks to date to the “Business Model”, encompassing market access and market linkages development, food quality and safety management systems and agribusiness value chain development.

He said that the MIF was also “using this model to canvas and create new businesses.” Supporting activities like the National Business Model Competition “we’re committed to being an environmentally responsible organisation and actively promoting environmental stewardship”, Beecher declared.

The theme of the symposium was ‘Innovations in Climate – Smart Agriculture for Small Scale Producers’, noted the need for “fresh thinking about agriculture” in the face of climate change and the inequitable distribution of healthy food.