KINGSTON, Jamaica—Restaurants of Jamaica Limited (ROJ), operators of KFC and Pizza Hut, is reinforcing its commitment to Jamaica’s agricultural sector, by way of a $1 million sponsorship of the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) being hosted here in Jamaica.

The sponsorship underscores ROJ’s role as a major supporter of agriculture – not only through its longstanding partnership with local suppliers, but also through investing directly in one of the region’s most significant platforms for advancing Caribbean agriculture, food security and sustainable development.

From September 27 to October 2, Trelawny will host this year’s Caribbean Week of Agriculture under the theme “The New F.A.C.E. of Caribbean Food Systems.”

Led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, the programme will address issues affecting the region’s ability to increase agricultural output, strengthen food systems and expand access to regional and international markets.

ROJ, operator of KFC and Pizza Hut in Jamaica, has a direct relationship with the agricultural sector through the supply network that supports its restaurant operations. The company continues to strengthen its commitment to the industry by using local poultry and fresh, locally-grown vegetables in its operations.

This creates economic value well beyond its restaurants, generating sustained demand for local farmers, producers and suppliers and supporting the wider agricultural supply chain.

Managing Director of Restaurants of Jamaica Limited, Mark Myers, said ROJ’s vested interest in the sector is shaped by the realities of its day-to-day operations.

“The food service industry does not operate in isolation. What happens at the production level has a direct bearing on what eventually reaches our kitchens, and wherever it is practical and viable, we believe there is value in creating more of those opportunities here at home,” Myers said.

“Our support for Caribbean Week of Agriculture is therefore about contributing to a wider conversation around how we increase production, build more resilient food systems and strengthen the connections that support agriculture across the region,” he added.

That connection to local agriculture predates this sponsorship, with ROJ having maintained long standing sponsorship of two of Jamaica’s established agricultural shows, Denbigh and Agrofest.

Established in 1999, CWA has become one of the Caribbean’s principal forums for the sector. Hosted by Caricom Member States and Associate Members, it combines regional meetings, technical discussions, exhibitions and business engagement focused on agriculture and rural development.

Jamaica will host the 20th edition, marking the second time in 19 years that the event has been staged here. The occasion is also notable given Jamaica’s prominent role in advancing agriculture within Caricom. Over 600 participants from 36 countries are expected to attend.

CWA will also give local producers and agribusinesses an avenue to build new market connections with regional trade among the areas to be explored during the week.

“Agriculture cannot grow on production alone. It also needs reliable markets. The private sector has a role through procurement, investment and partnerships that connect production to demand,” Myers said. “Increasing local sourcing will require continued dialogue between producers and the businesses that depend on them.”