CLARENDON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) to intensify outreach efforts to promote stronger business literacy among small farmers and improve their access to financing.

Speaking at the closing of the 2025 Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show, Holness acknowledged that access to financing remains a significant challenge for small farmers but stressed that certain business fundamentals, such as record keeping and accounting are non-negotiable.

“While we must make access easier, there are certain requirements we cannot compromise on. I told the DBJ today that there must be greater outreach and support to farmers because we need to see agriculture as a business, not as a hobby,” Holness underscored.

The prime minister called for a cultural shift in farming, encouraging farmers to view themselves as entrepreneurs. He further highlighted the critical role of credit in expanding farming operations and insisted that farmers should be able to repay loans and access additional capital as their businesses grow.

“Part of what RADA [Rural Agricultural Development Authority] does in outreach, and what the DBJ does, must be to tell farmers to take their work seriously and to help them develop business literacy in agriculture. This is absolutely essential if we are to move to the next phase,” Holness stated.

“We want our farmers to genuinely believe that their efforts are respected and valued, and to be qualified to obtain loans that enable them to grow their businesses, repay those loans and access further credit. Businesses can only grow when they have access to credit, and this is very important. The next step in developing the agricultural system must be to form partnerships with farmers to develop business literacy in agriculture. Minister, it is easier to do now than before because we have the groups and organisations within agriculture that can support this. So I urge you to move quickly,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Holness pointed to significant progress in agricultural infrastructure, including major irrigation projects such as Essex Valley and hydroponics developments. He noted that soon, more than 50 per cent of Jamaica’s irrigable lands will be under irrigation—marking what he described as the best point ever in Jamaican agriculture.

Additionally, Holness endorsed a dual strategy for food security and food independence, emphasising the importance of securing supply chains while investing in the domestic production of high-demand crops.

“We must pursue a food security strategy. We need to ensure access to supply and secure our supply chains. But we are in the Emancipendence season. We must move beyond simply securing supply chains and ask: how do we guarantee a steady supply of strawberries for hotels? How do we ensure availability of basil, oregano and other high-value spices for the hospitality industry? Yes, we have contracts with foreign companies and import these items, so our supply is secure. However, we must take the next step and strive for food independence. While it’s impossible to be independent in all foods, we can select strategic areas where Jamaica has an advantage and become self-sufficient,” he added.