Agriculture Resilience Plan to be Developed by April 2025
The government of Jamaica has instructed the development of a national plan by April 2025 to build resilience within the agriculture sector. Prime Minister Andrew Holness relayed the directive to Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, as part of Jamaica’s food security and resilience.
Background
This initiative comes against the backdrop of recent challenges faced by the agriculture sector, including Hurricane Beryl’s onslaught and the impacts of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other adversities.
National Plan
The Prime Minister announced that the national plan will focus on increasing the local production of goods in Jamaica, using Jamaican input and resources. The plan will also aim to increase processing capabilities for food, storage capabilities for food, and financing available to small, medium-sized, and large farmers.
Consultant Recruitment
Minister Green has commenced work on the plan and has secured funding to recruit a consultant.
Resilience and Bravery
Prime Minister Holness emphasized that Jamaica is a resilient people, capable of recovering from adversity. He urged farmers to take advantage of crises and introduce new ways of doing things that are better than the old ways.
Preparation for Adversity
The Prime Minister advised farmers to store and save food for periods when food supplies may decrease and build sound infrastructure to safeguard against disasters.
Event and Anniversary
The Denbigh show marked the 70th anniversary of the historic event, which is the largest of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean. The event coincided with the 62nd Anniversary of Jamaica’s attaining political independence from Great Britain on August 6, 1962.
Attendees
Several dignitaries and officials, locally and regionally, were in attendance, including the Premier of the Cayman Islands, Juliana O’Connor Connolly.
Conclusion
The development of a national agriculture resilience plan by April 2025 is a significant step towards ensuring the sector’s future growth and sustainability. The plan aims to increase local production, processing capabilities, and financing for farmers, while also preparing the sector for adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the national agriculture resilience plan?
- The plan aims to build resilience within the agriculture sector by increasing local production, processing capabilities, and financing for farmers.
- Who will be involved in developing the plan?
- The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, has commenced work on the plan and has secured funding to recruit a consultant.
- What is the timeline for the plan’s completion?
- The plan is expected to be completed by April 2025.
- How will the plan benefit the agriculture sector?
- The plan will increase the sector’s ability to recover from adversity, ensure food security, and promote sustainable growth.