JACRA’S WORLD FOOD DAY 2020 MESSAGE

The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) as an agency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries celebrates World Food Day 2020 under the theme: “Grow, Nourish, Sustain, Together: Our Actions are our Future”.

In facilitating the development of the agricultural industries that we regulate and monitor, JACRA’S mandate synchronizes with Jamaica’s first two Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’S): the reduction of poverty and the alleviation of hunger.

The Authority has been working with our partners and stakeholders to facilitate investments, protect brand Jamaica, enhance production and productivity and in general, contribute to the sustainable development of the sectors. Given that these crops are all cultivated in the rural areas the development of the value chain through the industry business models would go a far way in addressing the current rural socio-economic challenges.

To this regard, JACRA is pivotal in working with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to develop industry business model for the crops we regulate, these are; Coffee, Cocoa, Coconut, Pimento, Ginger, Turmeric and Nutmeg. These industry business models seek to identify the strengths and weaknesses of these industries, and how to overcome the challenges in order to capitalize on development opportunities. We believe that our role in this process will go a far way in addressing the issues of improving the livelihood of our farmers in order for them to meet the needs of themselves and their families, invest in their practice and save for the future.

Resilient industries that provide for both local and international markets while ensuring that the players throughout the supply and value chain can sustain themselves are factors that will enable the country to reduce hunger and poverty, while at the same time addressing climate concerns (#13 on Jamaica’s SDG’S) which potentially can threaten our nation’s food security.

On this World Food Day 2020, the Authority would like to recognize the contributors to the FAO’S “Food Heroes” initiative that have facilitated collaborative bonds to provide sustainable food resources. We also ascribe recognition to our industry pioneers, our farmers and farm workers who have utilize our natural resources in a manner which sustain their livelihood while securing the welfare of future generations.

Gusland Mccook (Mr.) Director General (Acting) Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA)