Shaw targets ackee for US market

MINISTER AUDLEY Shaw believes Jamaica’s agricultural sector is underutilised.

Speaking with business partners and potential i nvestors at a luncheon meeting at the offices of the Jamaican consulate, NYC, on Thursday, October 14, Shaw lamented what he said was the shortage of Jamaican products in the USA market.

Singling out fruits like mango and ackee, he said that demand for ackee was now at an all-time high, following a recent publication in the influential National Geographic magazine naming ackee and saltfish (cod), as one of the 10 best national dishes in the world.

“Because of that (designation), people from all over the world are calling to get some; they are curious,” he offered.

Shaw said that as the country emerges from the pandemic, his super ministry – industry, investment, commerce, and with responsibility for Agriculture and Fisheries - and the Government, will be moving to set up a number of agro parks across the country to focus on “not only just fresh foods, but processed foods as well”.

“One of the things we have to do now is not just put the ackee orchards in (place), but to target not just selling the ackee in a can, but sell it as a finished product – ackee and saltfish in a can.”

NEXT ECONOMIC DRIVER

Emphasising that agriculture could be the next economic driver, Shaw said that the agro parks will target those products that are in great demand overseas, thereby providing a guaranteed market.

He said the agro parks will also target younger farmers by providing technical assistance in an organised environment.

The meeting, which was organised by the Jamaica Promotions and Investment Corporation – JAMPRO (NY office) – and the Jamaican consulate general, provided the minister an opportunity to connect with the diaspora during a personal visit to the New York area.

Patrons were greeted by Ambassador Brian Wallace, Jamaica’s permanent representative to the United Nations, with Consul General Alsion Wilson, offering the vote of thanks.

The luncheon session, which was the second meeting of the day for the minister, was moderated by Shane Angus, JAMPRO’s regional manager.

CONTRIBUTED From left; Brian Wallace, Jamaica’s ambassador to the United Nations; Alsion Wilson, OD, (center), Jamaica’s consul general to New York and Audley Shaw (right), Minister of Industry, Investment, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries, at an investment luncheon at the Jamaican Consulate, NYC.