KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining says it is looking to attract more young people to work and invest in the sector.

Portfolio Minister Floyd Green said that getting the youth involved in agriculture is critical in securing the future of farming and food security on the island.

“I would say that’s important. I’ve always said to people, why not encourage our children to look for professions in agriculture? No matter how the world evolves you will still need to eat, and the taste profile of Jamaican food is some of the best in the world,” he noted.

Minister Green, who was speaking during a recent JIS ‘Get the Facts’ interview, said that agriculture is changing, and young people should be part of that transformation.

“We need more of our young people to go into agriculture. When we say a ‘New FACE of Food’ we are not just talking about the pillars; we need to change the look, the feel of agriculture,” he contended.

While the ministry has numerous avenues for youth to access support, including through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), the ministry is looking to identify more allies in getting youth involved in agriculture.

Encouraging parents and guardians to guide their children towards professions in the sector, the minister said that the industry is “not just going out with a machete in the early morning; we’ve evolved”.

“It’s about protecting agriculture and [applying] technology – how can we have more agriculture technicians that can fly drones and use those drones to fertilise crops. Are your children looking into those professions?” he asked.

Persons interested in farming can visit RADA’s website at rada.gov.jm or the Agro-Investment Corporation’s website at agro-invest.gov.jm

-JIS