JACRA to Facilitate Increase in Regulated Agricultural Commodities

The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) will be seeking to facilitate an increase in the production of regulated agricultural commodities (RACs) by at least 20 per cent in the 20024/25 fiscal year.

This is contained in the Jamaica Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the year ending March 2025.

The increased production is expected to fill supply gaps in the hospitality, food service and agro-processing industries.

JACRA also aims to facilitate the increase in support systems for market access to regional and international markets.

“This is expected to result in a 10 per cent increase in the number of farmers who have access to these markets,” the document stated.

The Authority will achieve these objectives through facilitating capacity-building activities for farmers, training and encouraging linkages between farmers and agro-processors.

“It is anticipated that 200 farmers will be trained during the fiscal year,” the document noted.

JACRA will also be conducting research and advising farmers of irrigated agricultural areas suitable to produce select crops and livestock. It is anticipated that seven farmers will gain access to lands that are equipped to provide water.

The Authority will also be promoting the utilisation of climate-smart technologies by Jamaican farmers, fishers, fish farmers, miners and entrepreneurs in the agriculture and minerals sector.

“JACRA envisions that climate-smart technology will assist farmers to increase production levels and resilience. It is anticipated that five farmers will adopt climate-smart technologies during 2024/25,” the document said.

Support systems for market (export) access will also be expanded in regional and international markets through trade agreements and policies.

In addition, the document noted that modernisation of traditional export crop production and marketing systems will create network opportunities and connect commodity dealers with farmers along the value chain.

“This initiative is also expected to result in 50 per cent of new farmers being registered and engaged in production, as well as 85 per cent maintaining compliance standards for commodities,” the report said.

JACRA will also be encouraging the implementation of a pest and disease surveillance and management system.

The Authority expects that the implementation of these systems will result in no greater than 10 per cent prevalence in pest and disease cases.

JACRA was established for the development, regulation, promotion and standardisation of the agricultural commodities industry and for connected matters.

The main functions are to regulate the named agricultural commodities, including coffee, cocoa, coconut and spices; facilitate stakeholders in the sustainable development of the regulated agricultural commodities; and promote the quality and integrity of regulated agricultural commodities.