Jamaican farmers to benefit from new matching grant scheme

Farmers across Jamaica are set to gain improved access to financing through a newly launched Matching Grant Scheme (MGS) introduced by the Government of Jamaica in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank.

The initiative is designed to help farmers expand their agri-business ventures through targeted investment and forms part of the Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project (SPADP), which is being financed by a £16.7 million grant from the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Programme administered by the Bank.

According to Stephen Lawrence, advisor in the Projects Department at the Caribbean Development Bank, the scheme is intended to help farmers invest directly in their own growth. He explained that by sharing the cost of key production and post-harvest investments, the programme will reduce financial barriers that often prevent small and medium-sized farmers from scaling their operations.

The Matching Grant Scheme supports the SPADP’s goal of strengthening agricultural conditions across 795 hectares in Parnassus and Amity Hall by developing resilient production and marketing systems. Alongside the construction of off-farm irrigation networks, drainage systems, farm roads and support facilities, the investments are aimed at addressing longstanding challenges such as climate variability, water scarcity, rising input costs and limited market access.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, said the programme reflects the Government’s continued push to build a modern and resilient agricultural sector. He noted that the initiative goes beyond supplying inputs and instead focuses on equipping farmers with the tools, knowledge and confidence needed to operate as competitive agribusiness entrepreneurs, while strengthening food security and expanding rural economic opportunities.

During the design of the SPADP, officials determined that infrastructure improvements alone would not guarantee success. As a result, the grant scheme was incorporated to support informal farmers and vulnerable households that may lack land tenure security or capital to modernise operations. The targeted financing is expected to help resource-constrained farmers formalise their businesses and benefit fully from new agricultural infrastructure.

Chief Executive Officer of the Agro-Investment Corporation, Vivion Scully, said the scheme is focused on building sustainable livelihoods and long-term agricultural growth. He highlighted that the programme will provide irrigation, inputs, training and business development support to help farmers increase yields, access new markets and establish commercially viable operations.

The initiative also aims to promote climate-smart agriculture by supporting the adoption of modern technologies and improved post-harvest handling. These measures are expected to increase productivity, reduce losses and strengthen Jamaica’s competitiveness in both domestic and export markets, while helping farmers meet modern quality standards and build stronger linkages with commercial buyers.

Andrew Bowden, development representative for Jamaica and Caribbean regional counsellor for the Government of the United Kingdom, said the Matching Grant Scheme will expand access to resources and opportunities, particularly for women, youth and vulnerable groups. He noted that the programme will help farmers invest in modern irrigation systems, on-farm technologies and agri-business ventures, ensuring they can fully benefit from new infrastructure in the Southern Plains.

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Management of the scheme will be handled by the Agro-Investment Corporation through a selection committee chaired by Scully and comprising representatives from the private sector and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. A comprehensive operations manual and communications strategy will be developed to ensure equitable access and raise awareness among target farming communities, while technical assistance will be provided to help farmers and producer groups prepare investment plans.

The Matching Grant Scheme supports the Caribbean Development Bank’s broader priorities for sustainable agriculture, rural development and climate resilience, while advancing efforts to ensure inclusive growth and stronger economic opportunities for rural communities across Jamaica.