KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican government is implementing significant measures to ensure that young people and women are at the forefront of the nation’s agricultural development, with a key focus on the expansion and accessibility of its agro-park initiative. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, announced that a substantial portion of new agro-park lands will be specifically earmarked for these demographics, signaling a deliberate strategy to foster a more inclusive and resilient agricultural sector.
Prioritizing Inclusion in Agro-Parks
During the inaugural Jamaica Agri-Business Investment Forum (JAIF) 2025, held in St. James, Minister Green revealed that 25 percent of all new agro-park lands will be specially allocated to women and young people. This initiative aims to provide these groups with enhanced opportunities to access land on preferential terms, thereby reducing historical barriers to entry. “In all of those agro-parks, we’re going to make special accommodation for youth and for women,” Minister Green stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to their central role in agricultural transformation.
To further support new entrepreneurs, the government will also reduce lease rates for agro-park lands, making it more feasible for emerging farmers to establish and grow their enterprises. This strategic move is part of a broader effort to create a strong foundation for the sector’s long-term growth, investing in vital infrastructure such as irrigation, storage facilities, and processing plants. The JAIF 2025, themed ‘Sustainable Agri-Business: Global Reach, Local Impact,’ brought together over 500 local and international participants to explore avenues for growth and innovation within Jamaica’s agricultural landscape.
Comprehensive Support for Emerging Farmers
The government’s dedication to empowering youth and women in agriculture extends beyond land allocation. The Feeding the Economy through Empowerment and Development (FEED) Programme is designed to directly impact these groups by encouraging their participation through various incentives. Under this program, 25 percent of production incentive programmes are designated for women, youth, and persons with disabilities on preferential terms.
Financial support is a critical component, with $390 million from the Ministry’s Production Incentive Programme earmarked for young farmers to support specific crop lines. Furthermore, a new Agro Park Youth Start-Up Programme has been introduced to ease entry costs for young Jamaicans. This initiative offers reduced lease rates, cutting them in half for the first two years of operation for youth participants. It also includes free land preparation for up to two acres and free seeds for the first year, significantly lowering the capital investment required.
An agricultural scholarship program, valued at $100 million, is also being introduced to support young individuals excelling in agriculture and related fields, managed by the Jamaica 4H Clubs in partnership with the private sector.
Building Resilience and Community
Minister Green highlighted the resilience of Jamaica’s agricultural sector, noting its recovery and continued growth despite setbacks, including natural disasters in 2024. The focus on integrating youth and women is seen as vital to this ongoing resilience and to the overall sustainability of the sector. Initiatives are also in place to foster a connected community through mentorship programs, linking mentees with experienced farmers and industry professionals.
Partnerships are key to the success of these programs. The Ministry is collaborating with entities like the HEART/NSTA Trust to provide training and resources for greenhouse production, and with the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers to develop cottage industries. The government has also implemented a policy ensuring that 25 percent of leased agro-park land is earmarked for youth engagement, a target that has reportedly been surpassed, with 29 percent currently allocated to youth and women.
Expanding the Agro-Park Network
The government is actively expanding Jamaica’s agro-park network, with significant developments in Clarendon and St. Ann aimed at fostering sustainable agribusiness. For instance, the Parnassus Agro Park in Southwest Clarendon, spanning 570 acres, has already leased substantial portions to youth and women. A new 670-acre agro park is also being established in Lydford, St. Ann, in partnership with Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM) and the Agro-Invest Corporation (AIC), envisioned as a model for sustainable agribusiness.
The long-term vision includes establishing an agro-park in every parish within the next five years, further decentralizing agricultural development and creating localized economic opportunities within each community. This expansion is critical for integrating the entire agricultural value chain, from pre-production to marketing, and promoting public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and market access.
The concerted efforts to prioritize youth and women in agro-park development underscore Jamaica’s commitment to a dynamic, inclusive, and prosperous future for its agricultural sector. This news reflects a strategic governmental focus on nurturing new talent and empowering existing communities to drive the nation’s food security and economic growth.