New chief executive officer of the Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) Vivian Scully will be drawing on his previous expertise in export and technology to lead the organisation.

Scully stepped into the role on May 22 following his appointment to the post. He previously served as manager of IT enabled services at Jamaica Promotions Corporation (Jampro) where he contributed to the growth of the country’s business process outsourcing sector. He was also the head of Jampro’s North American Region Office where he facilitated trade missions and built relationships with trade distributors across the continent, resulting in increased exports to the United States and Canada.

While noting that his move to Agro-Invest is another chapter of “growth and innovation”, Scully said he looks forward to working with the team at the agency to further develop and expand the country’s investments in the agriculture sector.

“Previously working in investment promotion as a trade consul in North America provides both the understanding of investor needs and promotion strategies to explore channels for agricultural investment opportunities as well as distribution and market needs for our agricultural products,” he told Jamaica Observer in response questions on his new role and previous experience.

When asked about the opportunities he has identified so far, the Agro-Invest CEO listed yams, potatoes, peppers, papayas and mangoes, explaining that they are “priority crops which already have significant demand.

“There is growing demand for organic and sustainable farming practices as consumers are increasingly conscious about the origin and quality of their food,” he added.

Another area of opportunity Scully identified was the establishment of new agro-parks and production zones to boost investment in sector. He said the increase in such facilities could result in the creation of agricultural economic zones, which are now being evaluated to attract large-scale investment in the sector.

However, he pointed out that the development of new agro-parks depends on a number of factors including market demand, available resources and the specific goals of Agro-Investment Corporation.

“Our agro-parks aim to provide centralised facilities, infrastructure, and services that support agricultural activities, enhanced productivity and attract investment,” he explained.

At the same time, Scully said that supporting the establishment of new processing facilities can add value to agricultural products, create job opportunities and promote the growth of the manufacturing sector alongside agriculture.

Responding to a question on the role of technology in fulfilling the mandate of Agro-Invest, Scully said the agency will be exploring ways in which the use of technology boost the agribusiness industry and added that some farmers were already using drones.

“Secondly, the application of data analysis to develop strategies is one area we will be moving to immediately,” he told Business Observer.

Agro-Invest’s mandate includes attracting investments in various subsectors of agriculture — crops, livestock, aquaculture and food processing. It’s mission is to invest in sustainable and socially responsible projects that create value for all stakeholders.

In an effort to seek new distribution channels for the agro parks and production zones under Agro-Invest’s management, Scully said that the agency will seek to strengthen its relationship with Jampro.