KINGSTON, Jamaica— The 21st edition of the Eat Jamaican campaign which encourages Jamaicans to “Grow what we eat, eat what we grow”, will culminate this year with a TikTok Cooking Challenge and farmers’ market and cook-off.

The campaign has also been extended to the Jamaican diaspora for the first time.

“The aim of the campaign is to enhance awareness and consumption of locally produced foods, thereby supporting our farmers and economy,” said Agriculture Minister Floyd Green,  as he outlined the activities to mark the month-long campaign in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

He said the campaign was not just for those directly involved in agriculture; it’s for every Jamaican. “We want every citizen to feel the pride, health, and joy of choosing local,” he said.

The activities for the month include the “iPledge to Eat Jamaican” 30-Day Challenge.

According to Green, “this is more than a challenge; it’s a movement”. Participants are encouraged to share their journey and inspire others while making local food a lifestyle. He urged his fellow Members of Parliament to take on the challenge.

For the entire month, Jamaicans are encouraged to eat at least one meal each day focusing on things grown locally. There is also a school jingle competition where students are encouraged to bring creativity and excitement to the Eat Jamaican message. The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools in Jamaica. Students may enter individually or as a group.

Green also announced a TikTok Cooking Challenge where influencers and any Jamaican with a love for cooking will get the opportunity to share Jamaican flavours with the world.

“From traditional dishes to creative twists, we want to see the best of Jamaica on display,” the agriculture minister said. Participants must cook an authentic Jamaican dish using 100 per cent Jamaican ingredients.

On Friday, November 22 there will be a food festival at Devon House commencing at 11:00 am. It will highlight Jamaican cuisine and showcase the diversity of traditional Jamaican foods and beverages, while highlighting the country’s agricultural products and food industries.

The month will culminate with a farmers’ market and cook-off which will see the top TikTok cooking challenge participants in a face-off in a live cook-off on November 29 at the Ministry of Agriculture’s playfield. The cook-off commences at 11:00 am.

According to Green, “this year, Eat Jamaican Month is exciting, it’s engaging, and it’s tapping into our national pride to ensure that we buy local, eat local, and support our local farmers, fishers, and producers”.

He noted that for the first time the campaign is being extended to the Jamaican diaspora. Diaspora activities include a logo competition, a diaspora cooking challenge, and weekly recipe highlights.

Full details are available on the ministry’s website and social media pages.