Youths get farmlands

Twenty lease agreements have been inked with youths and selected mango agropark investors, under an initiative facilitated through the AgroInvestment Corporation (AIC).

The move aligns with the ministry’s mandate to ensure that 20 per cent of government-owned lands are offered to young persons 18 to 35 years, for agribusinessrelated projects.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Pearnel Charles Jr, said an additional 20 young people will also be awarded leases in short order.

“It has been recognised that the average age of farmers in Jamaica is 50 years old, and, in this context, the AIC as part of its succession planning and sustainability strategy, has sought to ensure that our young people have a place within the agro-parks and production zones,” he said.

Charles Jr was speaking at the handover ceremony for the leases on Wednesday, April 27, at the mango agro-park in Toll Gate, Clarendon.

The minister said that beneficiaries will have extended support from the AIC.

“[Support will come] in the form of land preparation, technical support and market linkages, in partnership with stakeholder agencies, including the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, the Jamaica 4-H Clubs and the National Irrigation Commission Limited,” he said.

CONTRIBUTED Students of Ferncourt High School in St Ann engage in a physical workout during National School Moves Day activities at the institution on Friday.