KINGSTON, Jamaica – Young farmers and youth interested in a career in farming are being encouraged to produce coconuts and their by-products, through the Coconut Industry Board (CIB).

Operations Manager at Michael Black Farms, Zachary Black, said the sector presents an opportunity for sustainable earning and innovation using Jamaica’s coconuts.

“We want to encourage people that it’s not just a long time, because it does take seven years to bear, but it’s worth the time and it is worth the effort. The Coconut Industry Board is there to assist you with whatever it is, with the technology, information and courses they have that have been recognised, not just in Jamaica and in the Caribbean but globally,” he said.

The global coconut industry is projected to be worth $31 billion by 2026.

According to the company, the industry has also seen a huge rate of growth with growing demand in countries like the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Germany and other European countries seeking coconut products from tropical regions.

Black said with proper use of existing resources, youth can benefit from venturing into the business of coconuts.

“I am encouraging youth who do get into the sector to use the resources that they do have. The Coconut Industry Board is not just somewhere that sells seedlings; it’s somewhere that can teach you about how to have the best type of coconut and yield and the best product that you need the coconuts for,” he said.

In addition to growing coconuts, individuals can explore the agro-processing of the product into coconut fibre, water, milk, oil, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and snacks.

The Coconut Industry Board, located at 18 Waterloo Road in Kingston, can be contacted via their website at coconutindustryboardjm.org or by calling 876-926-1770.

-JIS