Time to bolster agri production, delivery systems

“IT IS with great pleasure that I join the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) in celebrating its 17th anniversary of the Eat Jamaican campaign.

These celebrations serve as a reminder of the imperative to invest in agricultural production and to support the industry by purchasing local produce as much as we can. This reminder is especially pertinent at this time, as the agricultural sector has been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated adverse effects on the tourism and hospitality industries, a sector which directly and indirectly accounts for close to 35 per cent of our nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and provides an important market for local agriculture. In 2018, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association estimated that more than two-thirds of its membership purchased 90 per cent of their fresh produce inputs from local sources, with smaller hoteliers at an even higher ratio.

Almost eight months after the first case of COVID-19 in Jamaica, local food security has become a salient topic in our national discourse. With Jamaica’s heavy reliance on food importation, as well as environmental risks which are increasingly devastating, we must bolster systems which secure production and delivery of goods for all stakeholders, be they farmers, hotels or individual consumers. Digitisation of these network systems, agro-marketing and distribution strategies, as well as the development of environmental resilience plans, will be important steps toward national development.

It is important that throughout this month we not only recognise the challenges faced by the agricultural industry, but celebrate the remarkable milestones reached and achievements made. The creation of the Jamaica Agricultural Society is one such achievement; providing a forum for farmers to connect, share resources and further their expertise. I commend the JAS on their work and this phenomenal initiative.”

Eat Jamaican!