The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA), backed by the use of technology, is pushing to transform the local agriculture sector as it ushers in a block chain-run Verified & True (V&T) platform in 2025.

The platform, set for public launch and use sometime early next year, is now being developed with hopes for it to offer a digital infrastructure that will enable end-to-end traceability for some of Jamaica’s most prized agricultural commodities including coffee, cocoa, coconut and spices (pimento, nutmeg, ginger, and turmeric).

Among JACRA’s chief regulatory functions are the setting of quality standards and the provision of quality assurance along with its certification services which are generally focused on the governing of trade in the coffee, cocoa, coconut and spices industries.

In leveraging the use of technology, the regulatory body is looking to foster growth and efficiency in the agricultural commodities sectors while promoting transparency and ensuring quality in its regulated industries.

The initiative being done in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the regulatory agency said, marks significant progress in safeguarding the integrity and authenticity of Jamaican brands on the world stage. Through the V&T platform, Jamaica, it said, is positioning itself as a leader in the fight against counterfeit goods, while enhancing the transparency and sustainability of its agricultural supply chains.

“Jamaica’s agricultural commodities are hailed as some of the finest in the world. So much so that we have and continue to enjoy great economic gains and global recognition thanks to these celebrated commodities. It is with this in mind that we have embarked on this journey. With a platform like V&T, we are strengthening the foundations of love, trust and respect consumers across the world that have built with Brand Jamaica,” acting director general at JACRA Wayne Hunter said.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Floyd Green, in regarding the technology as more than an upgrade, said it represents a transformation for the food sector, one he believes will help to protect local brands as it put farmers first while creating more equitable supply chains rooted in Jamaican origins.

Following the roll-out of the platform in the New Year, users from across the world will be able to scan QR codes placed on products made from local agricultural commodities, allowing them in the process to review and interact with the different farmers, farm history, proof of product origin among several other activities.

“This initiative will ensure that every time a consumer purchases a Jamaican product, no matter where in the world they are, they can trust its authenticity and its commitment to sustainable practices. We are excited to be leading this charge and look forward to the support of all stakeholders,” Green said.

“We are committed to creating a transparent system that gives consumers confidence in our products and, most importantly, puts our farmers at the heart of the value chain and we also expect the support of our international brand owners in this transformational process,” he added.

JACRA which has been actively working with Agrodise Limited to deliver the technology said it invites all stakeholders, both locally and internationally, to participate in the transformative journey. Over the next few months, the entity will be conducting a series of meetings to provide further details on the platform’s cost, functionality as well as how the benefits for participants such as farmers, consumers, exporters and brand owners will be integrated in the new system.

“We are proud to partner with JACRA in this ground-breaking initiative. Our goal is to help Jamaica’s agricultural sector thrive by providing the tools necessary to protect its products, its farmers, and its future. This is about more than technology; it’s about creating a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone involved,” Agrodise’s Christopher Reckord said.

HUNTER… with a platform like V&T, we are strengthening the foundations of love, trust and respect consumers across the world have built with Brand Jamaica