JAMAICA | Jamaica Agricultural Society celebrate April as Farmers’ Month

Kingston, Jamaica, April 2024 - As the Jamaica Agricultural Society celebrate Farmer's month during April, the agriculture minister has announced plans to cultivate some three thousand acres of orchard crops for export in the parish of St. James

President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Lenworth Fulton says April has been officially designated as Farmers Month, heralding a period of recognition and celebration for the island's farmers that echoes a tradition established since 1983.

This year's observance is notably special as it aligns with the JAS's 129th anniversary, highlighting the long-standing commitment and service to Jamaica's agricultural community and the broader economy.

The calendar for Farmers Month is filled with activities aimed at celebrating the invaluable contributions of farmers. The festivities commenced with a national church service at Kettering Baptist Church in Duncans, Trelawny, an event that symbolizes the commencement of a month dedicated to acknowledging the backbone of Jamaica's agriculture. 

The service marks the beginning of a series of parish-wide church services scheduled throughout April, uniting the agricultural community in a shared spirit of gratitude and forward-looking discourse on the sector's future.

Among the notable highlights of Farmers Month were the agro expos held on Easter Monday, in both St Mary and Montpelier, St James, marking a milestone in the month's celebrations. It was at the St James expo where the month received its grandest celebration since its inception. 

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green (right), and President of the St James Branch of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Glendon Harris, view livestock on display at the 41st staging of the Montpelier Agricultural and Industrial Show at Montpelier Show Ground in St James on April 1. (Photo: JIS)

President Fulton welcomed the Minister's announcement, emphasizing the JAS's full endorsement of this pioneering venture. The initiative is celebrated not only for its agricultural merit but also for its potential to catalyze socio-economic transformation. 

By introducing nurseries in close proximity to the planting areas, the project aims to streamline costs, enhance rural employment, and foster educational opportunities for agricultural students.

This strategic move is anticipated to elevate Jamaica's agricultural sector to new heights, potentially boosting the nation's foreign exchange earnings significantly. With aspirations to escalate from US$273 million in 2022 to the US$1 billion mark within the next five to seven years, the initiative represents a leap towards economic resilience and sustainability.

As Farmers Month continues, it offers a moment to reflect on the enduring significance of agriculture in Jamaica's journey towards sustainable development and prosperity. Through the collaborative efforts of the JAS, government support, and the tireless work of the farming community, Jamaica stands on the cusp of an agricultural renaissance, poised for growth and greater economic contribution.

The initiative heralded by Minister Green, and supported by Fulton and the JAS, doesn't just signal a new chapter in Jamaica's agricultural production; it also casts a spotlight on the broader economic and social benefits of such a strategic shift. The focus on orchard crops like mangoes, ackee, and coconut - all of which have high export potential and local demand - is a testament to a well-considered approach that balances immediate needs with long-term economic goals.

Moreover, the encouragement from the JAS for the government to consider including additional crops such as citrus, cocoa, avocado pear, and banana into their plans underscores the society's vision for a more comprehensive agricultural development strategy. Such a strategy is crucial not only for achieving self-sufficiency and reducing the heavy import bill but also for capitalizing on the global market's demand for these tropical products.

The mention of the considerable import costs of bananas and plantain chips, totaling US$14.1 million in 2022, highlights a significant area of opportunity for local production to meet domestic needs and reduce reliance on imported goods. This focus on expanding the agricultural sector's scope illustrates a path forward that could redefine Jamaica's economic landscape, shifting from import dependency to becoming a net exporter of high-demand commodities.

As we look towards the future, the call for a comprehensive agricultural development plan is more relevant than ever. Such a plan should encompass not only the diversification of crops but also address critical areas like investment, marketing, and storage to ensure sustainability and resilience. With the collaborative efforts of the JAS, governmental support, and the hardworking Jamaican farmers, the vision for a revitalized agricultural sector seems within reach.

As Jamaica celebrates Farmers Month, it is clear that the observance goes beyond mere recognition of farmers' hard work. It is a call to action for strategic development, innovation, and collaboration towards a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future. The steps taken today, supported by initiatives like the 3,000-acre orchard crop project, lay the groundwork for a future where agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of Jamaica's economy and a beacon of hope for rural communities across the island.

With this vision in mind, the JAS, along with stakeholders across the sector, is poised to lead Jamaica into a new era of agricultural prosperity, ensuring that the backbone of the island's economy is stronger, more diverse, and more sustainable than ever before.

As Farmers Month 2024 draws to a close, the journey towards achieving these lofty goals continues, powered by the unwavering spirit and dedication of Jamaica's farming community.

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