KINGSTON, Jamaica — Some 220,000 farmers registered with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority and 26,000 fishers registered with National Fisheries Authority are to benefit from the Guardian Life Fisheries and Agricultural Multi-Advantage insurance plan.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries say this insurance scheme represents is a collaborative approach with Guardian Life to enable the farmers and fishers to access benefits such as doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, surgical, hospitalisation, dental, optical, maternity, group life, personal accident and critical illness.

It said it is also in direct response to a commitment given by Portfolio Minister, Floyd Green, last year October on an all-island listening tour, to ensure insurance coverage was provided to farmers and fishers.

“This will go a far way in assisting our food heroes who work hard to provide food for the nation and bolster our food security,” Green said as he welcomed the collaboration with the insurance provider.

The ministry said this insurance coverage has the potential to increase interest and participation levels as existing and prospective farmers and fishers may view the sector as a more favourable option for employment. It said Guardian Life is anticipating that a minimum of 2,500 farmers and fishers will enrol on the plan within the first 12 months with an expected increase of 10 per cent each year.

They also anticipate that offering health and live coverage to the farmers and fishers will have a positive impact on the public health care system, the ministry added.