Jamaica’s ailing sugar industry is about to get a shot in the arm with a US$50-million ($7.5-billion) investment from Tropical Sugar Company Limited (TSCL).

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green made the announcement on Tuesday while making his contribution to the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate at Gordon House.

“These investors will be leading the restoration of sugar production in South Clarendon. Through an initial investment of US$50 million, TSCL has leased approximately 12,500 acres of land for sugarcane cultivation, with 27 acres dedicated to the construction of a new sugar factory and refinery,” Green shared.

“This is a significant step forward, bringing much-needed revitalisation to our sugar industry and creating 300 direct job opportunities for the local communities,” he added.

According to its website, TSCL is a “pioneering, sustainable sugar and renewable energy production company”.

It states that “TSCL is set to become a transformative force in Jamaica’s sugar and renewable energy sectors. Strategically located on the Vere Plains of Clarendon, TSCL combines world-class sugar production with an innovative co-generation facility that converts sugarcane by-products into renewable energy. With a long-term lease on prime arable land from the Government of Jamaica, and close proximity to the JPS sub-station at Monymusk, our project is ideally positioned to support local agricultural development and energy sustainability”.

The website states that the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Chesterfield will utilise sugarcane to produce premium sugar and export renewable power.

“Using bagasse — the fibre left after extracting sugarcane juice — as a fuel source, our turbo generator will produce 12.50 megawatts (MW) of electricity, of which 7 MW will be supplied to the national grid via Jamaica Public Service (JPS). This dual-revenue model not only meets local sugar demand but also contributes to Jamaica’s renewable energy policy, ensuring economic and environmental benefits” the company states.

The company said its co-generation project is a first-of-its-kind venture in Jamaica, demonstrating its commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and positioning Jamaica as a leader in eco-friendly industrial innovation.

“Through this unique business model, we aim to deliver reliable energy, high-quality sugar, and long-term value for our community and stakeholders,” TSCL states.

Meanwhile, Green gave an update on the work of the enterprise team tasked with making recommendations for the divestment of the Agricultural Marketing Corporation (AMC) complex.

Green said Cabinet has given approval for the divestment of the complex by way of a public-private partnership.

“Through this partnership, Agro-Invest intends to co-develop the AMC complex, transforming it into a hub for warehousing, cold storage and agro-processing activities. This is geared toward expanding local production and boosting export potential. We call on our private sector to join us in this exciting venture,” Green said.