The challenges stemming from the novel coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war are foremost on the minds of all Jamaicans, considering the possible implications for national food security. International organisations, such as the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), have projected that these two crises will have a substantial impact on global supply chains, food systems, and ultimately food security.

Notwithstanding these projections, food security is a national priority for Jamaicans. This is currently demonstrated through the increase in production, the several new entrants in the sector operating along the value chain as well as the adoption of the Grow Smart, Eat Smart campaign. The Grow Smart, Eat Smart initiative is advocated by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Pearnel Charles Jr, and it is helping to reshape the local attitude and mindset towards what we grow and eat, thereby driving the consumption of food produced locally.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is placing much emphasis on improved use of technology, proper application of input supplies, and agronomic practices that will engender agriculture production and productivity. Stakeholders in the agriculture industry continue to be very optimistic about our food security considering the myriad challenges in the agriculture industry caused by the onset of COVID-19 in 2020-2021 as our Jamaican farmers have defied the odds.

Pearnel Charles Jr, minister of agriculture and fisheries shared several pieces of information in his sectoral presentation on May 17, 2022 about the agriculture industry. This information relates to the 7.9 per cent growth in the sector as well as the 700,000 tonnes of crop yield which represented the highest-ever domestic crop yield in Jamaica’s history. Additionally, chicken meat production rebounded from a decline in 2020 and production moved from 123,636 kilograms to 124,904 kilograms in 2021. Production in eggs has also increased significantly. The number of eggs produced increased from 166,728,220 in 2019 to 219,987,481 in 2021, representing an increase of 31.9 per cent. These significant gains in the sector represent a growth path unforeseen over the last 10 years.

Through the Agro-Investment Corporation, the investment arm of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, we are facilitating an increase in joint venture farming opportunities with the private sector locally and overseas to produce crops all year round, improve the accessibility of loans for farmers to expand agriculture production, and improve crop and livestock production through resilient and climate smart agriculture.

It is important here to mention that there are tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs to invest in Jamaica’s agriculture industry to serve domestic needs and export markets. On the pathway to propel current boundaries of growth, there is recognition that there are over 400,000 acres of agricultural lands available for investment, in addition to derivatives of the value chain.

Frequently the question is raised: Why invest in agriculture? There are a variety of reasons, but among them are the demand for high-quality Jamaican produce, for example ginger, peppers, ackee, yellow yam, sweet potato, and coffee, just to name a few; the country’s proximity to key export markets, such as Canada, USA, and South America; and also preferential market access to several countries around the world. Additionally, Jamaica has a business-friendly environment with laws to protect investors.

In 2019, Jamaica ranked 80 out of 141 countries on the Global Competitiveness Index, and in the Doing Business Report 2020, Jamaica ranked 71 out of 190 economies assessed for competitiveness. These rankings indicate that Jamaica has a competitive and stable business environment, which is critical for investors. Based on the foregoing it is clear that Jamaica is an excellent country in which to make agricultural investment.

Jamaica’s agriculture sector is growing by leaps and bounds and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Agro-Investment Corporation will continue to engage investors to develop and expand Jamaica’s agriculture industry and maintain national food security. We salute our agribusiness stakeholders for doing an extraordinary job at ensuring Jamaicans have access to nutritious, safe, fresh and affordable locally produced food.