AGRO-INVESTMENT Corporation (Agro-Invest), the investment facilitation arm of Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, has launched an initiative to reclaim and revitalise underutilised assets within its portfolio.

Agro-Invest says it will focus on maximising the economic potential of idle lands and facilities by regularising tenure arrangements, rehabilitating properties in disrepair, and retrofitting sites to meet modern agricultural demands.

In its bid to transform these assets into productive resources Agro-Invest will also seek partnerships with investors to lease and operate critical storage and processing facilities. By bringing these assets back into operation the agency aims to strengthen Jamaica’s agricultural supply chain, boost rural economic activity, and support the national goal of greater food security and export readiness.

Currently, Agro-Invest has several high-priority facilities, with New Forest Packaging House in St Elizabeth being a major focus.

Built in 2018 with public funds under the Agricultural Competitiveness Programme, the packaging house has yet to see active use due to failed agreements with initial stakeholders. Agro-Invest says it is now redirecting efforts to attract agribusinesses interested in leveraging this facility for value-added processing — a move that could boost local economic activity and help area farmers gain traction in high-value markets.

Additionally, the Coleyville Cold Storage Facility in Manchester is slated for an upgrade, including electrical refurbishments of six storage bays and renewable energy installations funded by Jamaica Social Investment Fund.

Chairman of Agro-Invest Ian Murray, expressed the corporation’s enthusiasm for the future of both facilities: “We see incredible potential in both the New Forest Packaging House and the Coleyville Cold Storage Facility. These are key resources that can play transformational roles in Jamaica’s agricultural value chain,” he opined.

“The New Forest facility can boost post-harvest processing, ensuring that our farmers’ products meet the highest standards, while Coleyville offers critical storage solutions that will enhance the shelf life of produce, opening doors to new markets and opportunities,” he added.

Other facilities targeted for revitalisation include Fairfield Farms in Kingston and Treasure Beach Packing House in St Elizabeth, each strategically located to service high-production farming areas.

According to Murray, these facilities have the potential to transform the agricultural value chain by cutting post-harvest losses and ensuring that produce is market-ready.

“This isn’t about reopening facilities for the sake of it; we’re looking at long-term investments that fundamentally improve how we handle, process, and export our products,” he explained.

Agro-Invest’s approach isn’t without challenges. Securing reliable investors who can deliver consistent management and operational improvements remains a hurdle. Still, the potential rewards — enhanced food security, job creation in rural areas, and a stronger export position — underline the importance of this initiative for Jamaica’s broader economic goals, the agency said.

MURRAY….these are key resources that can play transformational roles in Jamaic’s agricultural value chain

Agro-Invest says it is now redirecting efforts to attract agribusinesses interested in leveraging this facility for value-added processing.