2008 Annual report: IICA's contribution to the development of agriculture and rural communities in Jamaica

Our Mission

To cooperate with the Government of Jamaica,

the private sector, national, regional and

international institutions in order to improve

competitiveness and promote the sustainable

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1:Introduction………...………. pg 1

Chapter 2:Executive Summary………...……... pg 2

Chapter 3:The State of Agriculture and Rural Life

in Jamaica in 2008 ……….……...pg 3 The Context for Agriculture and Rural Life………..…. pg 3 Changes in Agri-food Production………...……….pg 5 Changes in Policies that Affect Agriculture

and Rural Life ………... pg 6 Changes in Institutional Structure for Agriculture

and Rural Life ……...pg 7 Major Developments in the Thematic Areas that Affected the Performance of Agriculture and the Rural Milieu ….... pg 7

Chapter 4:Results of the Implementation of the National Technical Cooperation Agenda in Jamaica During 2008………. pg 8 IICA's Contribution to the Repositioning of Agriculture and Rural Life ………... pg 8 Promoting Trade and the Competitiveness

of Agri-business ………... pg 10 Strengthening Agricultural Health and Food

Safety Systems………...…. pg 12 Strengthening Rural Communities Based on the

Territorial Approach …….……... pg 13 Introducing Technology Innovation for the

Modernization of Agriculture and Rural Life ... pg 16

Chapter 5:Results of Inter-agency Cooperation ……...……….. pg 17

Chapter 6:Results of Horizontal Technical Cooperation …...….pg 20

Chapter 7:New Opportunities for Technical Cooperation…… ……… pg 21

Acronyms

Acronyms

ACP African Caribbean and Pacific Countries ASSP Agricultural Support Services Programme

CARIFORUM Caribbean Forum for African Pacific and Caribbean States CARDI Caribbean Agricultural Research & Development Institute CASE College of Agriculture Science and Education

CBFA Charles Town Bee Farmers Association CIDA Canadian International Development Agency CFJ Culinary Federation of Jamaica

CWA Caribbean Week of Agriculture EPA Economic Partnership Agreement EU European Union

EUBSP European Union Banana Support Programme FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

GDP Gross Domestic Product

IDB Inter-American Development Bank

IICA Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture IJAP Improving Jamaica's Agricultural Productivity Project JFLL Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning

JGGA Jamaica Greenhouse Growers Association JNRWP Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers MOA Ministry of Agriculture

MIOA Marketing Information Organization of the Americas OAS Organization of American States

OIE World Organization for Animal Health PADF Pan-American Development Foundation PIOJ Planning Institute of Jamaica

RADA Rural Agricultural Development Authority SAID Spanish Agency for International Development SRC Scientific Research Council

USAID United States Agency for International Development UWI University of the West Indies

WTO World Trade Organization WHO World Health Organization

Inter-American Institute for

Cooperation on Agriculture

Office in Jamaica

IICA’s Contribution to the Development of

Agriculture and Rural Communities in Jamaica

A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 8

K i n g s t o n , Ja m a i c a M a r c h 2 0 0 9

am pleased to report that 2008 was a tremendously productive and exciting year for the IICA Office in Jamaica. Internally, a staff retreat during the first quarter helped us re-focus our programme to better capitalize on our strengths as an organization and helped re-ignite our spirit of teamwork. We saw the departure of our Agri-business Specialist, Robert Reid, to take up another position within the Institute and welcomed Ainsworth Riley as Robert's replacement. The Jamaican agricultural sector experienced the severity of tropical storm Gustav, which basically wiped out the country's banana sector. This in turn meant a tremendous loss of foreign exchange at a time when food prices skyrocketed causing a severe strain on the country's hard working men and women. To its credit, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), vigorously embarked on an "Eat what you grow and grow what you eat" campaign and provided households with fruit trees and backyard gardening kits to encourage Jamaicans to get involved.

Plans were also put in place to restructure the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), the extension arm of the Ministry and provide farmers with access to an increased number of well-trained extension officers who could also provide marketing information. Greenhouse technology was identified by the Ministry as the type of modern agricultural system best suited for the country and the formation of "clusters" of farmers with packing house facilities was promoted. The country's Minister of Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton also aggressively pursued a strategy of developing a business approach to agriculture, enhancing capacity, improving productivity and competitiveness. This approach will position Jamaica to rely more on domestic food production and less on imports – both of these factors are critical to the island's success in addressing food security.

The IICA Jamaica Office worked hard to capture funding for two projects - one, to develop an agro-tourism project in the Buff Bay Valley on the island's North coast that leads into the famous coffee growing area of the Blue Mountains and another project designed to greatly enhance the greenhouse and marine fisheries sub-sectors. External funding was sourced from the European Union Rural Diversification Programme (RDP) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) respectively. These projects will position our Office to take advantage of our resources, our technical expertise and help the Ministry of Agriculture in its development of the agricultural sector. The IICA Jamaica team is confident of its capacity to be successful in the execution of these projects.

We are also actively exploring other opportunities, in particular those which can encourage young people to get involved in agriculture. Our Office has also re-launched a more user-friendly and informative website to strengthen our communica-tion outreach. We invite you to visit it at: www.iica.int/jamaica. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister of Agriculture, the Permanent Secretary and the entire staff of the Ministry of Agriculture for their support and the IICA Jamaica team for their hard work and dedication.

I

Cynthia Currie

IICA Representative in Jamaica

1

he Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is the agricultural development agency of the Inter-American system. IICA provides technical cooperation in keeping with the member countries' agenda for promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development. The focus of the Jamaica office as outlined by the 2006-2010 National Technical Cooperation Agenda concerns: repositioning of agriculture and rural life, promoting trade and agribusiness, promoting agricultural health and food safety and strengthening rural communities.

This report details the results of the contributions made by the Jamaica office in 2008 in its four strategic areas of cooperation and in support of the Government's current agenda to modernize agriculture, build capacity and ensure the nation's food security. It highlights the partnerships formed to facilitate the various interventions, examines the major developments that characterised the local agricultural sector for the review period and identifies opportunities for future technical cooperation in Jamaica.

In retrospect, Jamaica's agriculture sector was impacted by three main forces in 2008: the negative effects of the global food and fuel crises that dominated much of the year; the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav and an unusually lengthy period of rain. Strengthening the island's food security took centre stage as rising world commodity prices and a weakening currency exacerbated the island's vulnerability to imports and external shocks. These conditions influenced the support that IICA Jamaica provided in 2008.

Among the contributions the Office made were: fulfilling the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Minister of Agriculture and IICA's Director General to provide technical cooperation in the Ministry's priority areas; securing funding from the Canadian International Development Agency, (CIDA) and the European Union, (EU) respectively, to undertake two major sustainability projects. Significant progress was also made in bridging the gaps between the agriculture and tourism sectors through the IICA/OAS Agro-tourism Initiative. The Office also facilitated Jamaica's participation in several international fora of significance to agricultural health and food safety, trade and youth development.

Internally, a staff retreat was held to further assess how best IICA Jamaica could maximize its contribution to the sector in tandem with the development agenda of the Ministry of Agriculture, (MOA). At the end of this process, developing capacity in Agro-Tourism and Agri-Business, positioning IICA as the Agency of Choice for administering agricultural projects on behalf of donor agencies, and becoming a Centre of Excellence for information in agriculture were identified among the priorities for the Jamaica Office going forward.

T

The Context for Agriculture and Rural Life

Source:Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

1_{Planning Institute of Jamaica, Economic Update & Outlook July-September 2008. Vol. 13/No2.}

Chapter

The Agriculture sector experienced severe challenges in 2008, primarily from the effects of the global food and fuel crises and the impact of Tropical Storm Gustav and subsequent rains. These challenges restricted growth in the sector for the first three quarters of the year. Consequently, strengthening the island's food security dominated the agenda of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and several initiatives to spur growth were implemented. At the Macroeconomic level, the Jamaican economy declined an estimated 0.3% from January to September. During this period, the Services Producing Industry grew 0.5% while the Goods Producing Industry declined by 2.2 percent1.

In the first half of the year, production costs escalated beyond affordable levels for most local farmers as prices on the world market skyrocketed for essential inputs such as fuel, fertilizer and animal feed. Jamaica's reliance on imports for most of these inputs gave it little cushion and contributed to the retraction in output for the first three quarters of the year, as farmers scaled back investment and production activities.

Growth in the sector was further hampered by the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav in late August and an unusually lengthy period of rain between the traditional land preparation months of August and September. The Planning Institute of Jamaica, (PIOJ) reported that the nation's infrastructure including, roads, bridges and water mains were most adversely affected with damages and losses for these amounting to 79.4 % of the total $15,159.5 billion cost of the impact. Although less devastating on the agriculture sector than Hurricane Dean, Tropical Storm Gustav destroyed an estimated 2,777 hectares of domestic crops and incurred $1.629 billion in losses to livestock and crops. Banana and plantain suffered the greatest impact, recording losses of 70 and 85 percent respectively of each existing crop.

Table 1. Comparison of

Damage to the Agriculture

Industry by Tropical Storm

Gustav and Hurricane Dean

ACTIVITY ESTIMATED DAMAGE

3

3

Domestic Crops Green House Estate Banana Coffee Sugar Cane Livestock Fisheries Citrus Coco Irrigation Total GUSTAV $million 519.1 19.7 505.5 108 450 16.7 10 -1629.0 DEAN $million 904.4 52.5 525 855 802 74.5 310 116 100 17.2 3756.6

The State of Agriculture and Rural Life

in Jamaica in 2008

This did not augur well for the industry, which was still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Dean in 2007. Export of bananas to the United Kingdom for example, had just resumed with the first shipment in August 2008. The devastation from Gustav atop the previous four consecutive years of hurricane damages, led the island's largest banana producer (that contributes approximately 90% of the export volumes) to announce its decision to close some of its operations and discontinue production of the crop for export to the UK. The company will continue production for the domestic market but the fall out in jobs remains significant and added to the already large number of workers displaced from the contraction of the Banana export market.

Exploring alternative economic activities for the major banana producing regions of the island and providing capacity building and training of the displaced workers also became a significant feature in rural development in 2008. This initiative was led by the European Union through its Rural Diversification Programme (RDP) in col-laboration with the Government of Jamaica.

As the global food and fuel crises persisted, Jamaica's extensive reliance on imports for its consumption and the continued depreciation of the local currency exacerbated the island's vulnerability to external shocks. In a bid to shore up the nation's food security and reduce the food import bill from 61% of national consumption, the Government launched a comprehensive National Food Security Programme to encourage local production and greater consumption of local foods.

Chief among the measures that began implementation during the course of the year were:

•

The MOA's drive to increase local production of Cassava as a substitute for some imported starches such as rice and also as an alternative feedstock.

•

Testing of different varieties of rice to determine best variety to suit Jamaica's conditions and to ease the country's reliance on imports.

•

Promotion of the Urban Backyard gardening programme, which encourages self sufficiency among households in the urban areas through the cultivation of small home gardening plots.

•

The launch of a three-year School Garden project that advocates cultivation of fruit and vegetable gardens in 966 public schools.

•

A youth programme to engage more youth in agriculture and build capacity among them.

•

Expansion of the greenhouse subsector.

•

Sourcing and distribution of economically priced inputs to contain production costs for farmers. The contribution of these interventions and improved weather conditions towards the end of the year, were credited for the growth experienced in the sector in the 4th Quarter of 2008 compared to similar quarter in 2007. Preliminary estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture indicated an 8 % increase in production. This was the first record of growth for the sector in five consecutive quarters.

The Planning Institute of Jamaica's Agricultural Index showed a decline in gross output in the Agriculture sector by 3.6 percent over the period September 2007-September 2008. This decline was noticeable in the areas of traditional export crops (29%) other agricultural crops (0.6%) animal farming (5.4%) and fishing (5.3%).

Table 2. Agricultural Production Index July-September 2003-2008 (Base Year - 2003)

In response to these changes, the industry experienced a number of changes in production as policy makers, producers and suppliers strategized to reduce the impact of these negative factors on the sector and spur growth. The Government embarked on a crop diversification strategy with a view to increase the production of other native crops that were to some extent underutilized; one such crop identified was cassava. These commodities, it is thought, can provide an alternative to existing staples and reduce the dependence of local consumption on the more expensive imported starchy foods such as rice. By so doing the Government has engaged key players of the private sector including primary producers to enter into formal arrangements to produce primary and value added commodities for human and animal consumption. Testing of nine varieties of rice to determine the best variety to suit Jamaica's conditions was also explored.

The next thrust was to address the challenges of productivity and quality of domestic food crops. This was demonstrated in the drive locally to embrace greenhouse technology otherwise termed protected agriculture. It is envisaged that this innovation will address issues such as prices, quality, quantity and consistency of produce. The Government has received funding from external sources (EU, CIDA) to bolster this initiative nationally.

Changes in Agrifood Production

YEAR TRADITIONAL EXPORT CROPS

OTHER

AGRICULTURAL CROPS

POST HARVEST TOTAL ACTIVITIES

ANIMAL

FARMING FISHING

Source:Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

5

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 %change 2008/07 16 18.8 3.2 13.7 27.5 19.5 -29 90 75.8 82.9 88.5 79.7 79.2 -0.6 93.1 93.1 91.1 100.6 104.8 100.4 -5.4 110 98.3 127.6 192.9 143.3 135.7 -5.3 28.7 29.3 127.6 192.6 143.3 135.7 8 75.6 67.5 69.3 81 76.6 73.8 -3.6

Fertilizer is a key input for any food crop operation. In 2007 and at least the first half of 2008, farmers were faced with extremely high fertilizer costs. This was due primarily to the monopolistic nature of the production and sale of fertilizers to farmers. In mid 2008, the Government intervened in the market by introducing cheaper grades of fertilizer. This fertilizer has had the effect of reducing the price of various grades of locally manufactured fertilizers, which lead to the reduction in cost of production and the farmgate prices of a number of commodities.

The Government also embarked on an initiative to further boost agricultural production by placing renewed emphasis on promoting agriculture in schools and urban communities. This resulted in the implementation of programmes such as the School Garden Programme and the Urban Backyard Garden Programme. This was to ensure proper nutrition as well as allowing institutions and individuals to become self reliant while increasing agricultural production. Through the Agricultural Support Services Programme (ASSP) the Government initiated the Young Farmers Entrepreneurship Programme. The first phase of this programme commenced with the allocation of a 50-acre plot of land to ten selected young agricultural entrepreneurs. Under the project, the Government will also provide farm roads, office space, fencing, irrigation, assistance with credit and access to markets. It is expected that this programme will produce a new set of farmers who are technologically savvy and business oriented.

These initiatives were institutionally supported by increasing the ratio of extension officers to farmers to strengthen the technical and marketing support they provide to the island's 200,000 farmers. The extension officers were also provided modern equipment such as soil augurs, soil testing kits and GPS receivers to assist farmers in the adoption of modern agricultural practices that can boost production levels. Strategic repairs to farm roads for improved access of goods to market was also effected and loans at reduced interest rates were made available to the farming community for retooling and to increase productivity.

The Government proposed several policy developments during the course of 2008 to help facilitate modernization, competitiveness and sustainability in the productive sector, especially in light of the world food and fuel crises. Chief among these was the development of a comprehensive Food Security Programme that integrates encouraging consumer preferences for local products and expanding productivity, research and investment.

Several other policy proposals were forwarded by the MOA to address: Food Safety, Plant Health, Animal Health, Sustainable Fisheries Development and Organic Agriculture. These policy proposals are in varying stages of development. Work also continued on the Comprehensive Agriculture Policy designed to achieve a comprehensive framework for rural and agricultural development, to promote investment, job creation and rural prosperity. During the year, the Ministries of Mining and Agriculture also collaborated to develop a Biofuel policy. According to the MOA, the policy is intended to 'protect food supply, safeguard the food chain and focus on research and technology to drive efficiencies and production to meet future energy needs while safeguarding the environment' 2_. The process of privatizing state owned sugar estates also continued under the Sugar Divestment programme initiated in 2007.

2

Article: “Ministries of Energy and Agriculture Collaborating to Develop Biofuel Policy,” Jamaica Information Service, December 18, 2008.

Cabinet approved the organizational restructuring of the Ministry of Agriculture to facilitate modernization of the agricultural sector, to increase production and lift agricultural productivity. The Ministry began conversion of several technical units to Executive Agency status to allow for greater accountability and focus on client services. Entities that provide direct service to farmers were the ones earmarked for restructuring and include: the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Agri-Business Council of Jamaica, the Research and Development Division, the Marketing and Credit Division, the Agricultural Credit Board, the Agricultural Development Corporation and the Agricultural Support Services Productive Projects Limited (ASSPPL).

Technology and Innovation

The Government secured funding from the Spanish Government through the Spanish Agency for International Development (SAID) to establish a Centre of Excellence to advance agricultural research relevant to the challenges and needs of the local farming community. The centre will collaborate with academia and spearhead projects in applied research, practical research, and offer training in the latest agricultural technologies.

Agro-energy and Biofuels

An Energy Diversification Programme was introduced to relieve the country's reliance on fossil fuels, of which 90 percent is imported. The programme advocates converting to a range of renewable energy sources such as, wind, solar and ethanol. All these are being pursued. In November 2008, incremental roll out of the more cost effective E10 blend of gasoline commenced at select gas stations across the island. The Government projected a 10% reduction in the country's gas import bill from this initiative and anticipates an expansion of the sugar industry as ethanol production increases. The reduction in fuel charges will help to minimize transportation and associated costs for farmers.

Major Developments in the Thematic Areas that Affected the

Performance of Agriculture or the Rural Milieu

Changes in Institutional Structure for Agriculture and Rural Life

Results of the Implementation of the

National Technical Cooperation Agenda

in Jamaica During 2008

IICA’s Contribution to the Repositioning of Agriculture and

Rural Life

Chapter

4

IICA and the Ministry of Agriculture Sign MOU

In February 2008, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton paid an official visit to the IICA Headquarters in Costa Rica where he participated in IICA's Forum for Leaders in Agriculture, explored successful national agricultural programmes pursued by the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and visited some of the country's farms. The Minister and IICA's Director General, Dr. Chelston Brathwaite seized the occasion to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU) to facilitate technical assistance by the Institute in the Ministry's priority areas.

Implementation of several of the initiatives agreed in the MOU was effected throughout the year. In May, a Horticulturalist from USAID JA Farms and 12 Extension Officers from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, (RADA) traveled to Costa Rica for training in greenhouse technology. The month-long training covered hydroponics, protected environment and organic agriculture. The MOA has been championing the mainstreaming of greenhouse technology to minimize the damaging effects of climate differentials and pest infestation on certain crops. The technology is also favoured for boosting production levels and improving the consistency of produce quality. The training has provided the exten-sion officers with the technical knowledge and skill required to support the increasing number of local greenhouse farmers and ensure the success rate of this emerging technology in Jamaica.

In November 2008, Mr. Sergio Porras from Costa Rica visited the island to consult with Ministry officials and Jamaica Producers Tropical Foods on the propagation of pineapple in Jamaica's climate. The Specialist was commissioned to: conduct an analysis of a suitable site for the production of pineapples; establish a three-year financial plan for the 20 acre pilot project; identify suitable planting material and make recom-mendation on an appropriate project manager. A report is being prepared for submission to the Ministry.

At the end of the year, work commenced on a study requested by the Minister to determine the true contribution of Jamaica's Agriculture sector to the economy. An Economist, Joaquin Arias, from the IICA Peru office visited the island to work with a team from the Ministry to develop this study and report. IICA has conducted this study in other member countries to measure the backward and forward links with agro industry, the services and trade sectors and the rest of the economy. The methodology also measures traditional contributors to gross domestic product (GDP) such as harvest, sales of raw materials, crops and livestock. In most cases, the results have shown agriculture's contribution to be significantly greater than commonly perceived and indicate that there is a ripple effect in the economy of a prosperous agriculture sector. The Minister expects that this comprehensive measure of agriculture's contribution to the Jamaican economy will better equip him to advance agricultural interests.

Completion of Hurricane Dean Relief Projects

The two Hurricane Dean Recovery Projects initiated by IICA and funded by the Canadian International Development Agency, (CIDA) and the Pan American Development Foundation/Chevron respectively, came to a successful close in the first Quarter of 2008.

CIDA provided CAD$100,000 to assist four greenhouse farmers to rebuild greenhouses with a more sustainable design in galvanized steel after eighty percent of greenhouses were destroyed by Hurricane Dean. The farmers contributed approximately J$300,000-$400,000 in labour and construction costs.

Twenty-eight small chicken farmers in Mountain Pass, St. Catherine had their chicken coops rebuilt and received feed and chicks to jump start their enterprises through the project. In addition, three mini-processing facilities were erected. The poultry farmers reported revenues of J$821,000 from poultry meat sales from the first batch of chicks they received.

The PADF/Chevron funded Hurricane Relief project provided fertilizer, pepper seedlings, vegetable seeds and other inputs to open field farmers from Elim located in the largest agri-producing parish of the island, St. Elizabeth. The Sydney Pagon Agriculture High School, one of two agriculture High Schools on the island, also received seeds, UV protected plastic, nursery shade cloth and fertilizer from this project.

National Accountability Seminar

IICA Jamaica hosted its National Accountability Seminar in May 2008, to report on its contribution to the development of sustainable agriculture and rural development in Jamaica during 2007. A panel discussion with participants from the MOA, other industry stakeholders and decision makers from the tourism sector, was the main highlight. Focusing on the theme, 'Agro-tourism: Developing Prosperous Rural Communities', the discussion provided a platform for representatives to explore the benefits and hindrances to maximizing the synergies between the two industries.

Inadequate market research in hotel food consumption and inconsistent food supply were identified by all the speakers as the major hindrances to a thriving local Agro-tourism sector. Improvements in infrastructure such as farm roads and bridges were also highlighted among the other essential enhancements needed to ease the transportation of produce to market. Minister of Agriculture, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton who was in attendance, indicated that the Ministry was positioning itself to address some of the challenges. He said plans were afoot to extend its marketing arm at the Parish level to deliver data on hotel food needs to farmers to help bridge the information gap. In response to inconsistent supply, he proposed the use of greenhouses to shield vegetables and herbs from strong winds and rains that affect the island annually.

Promotion of Trade and the Competitiveness of Agri-business

Updating the IICA Information Centre

The IICA Jamaica Information Centre received further upgrading in 2008 in keeping with the Office's efforts to develop a Centre for Excellence in Information on Agriculture. A temporary Library Assistant was employed. Books were reshelved using the Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme. Recent statistical publications and laws that govern the agricultural sector were added to the library's resources. A new section designated for local and overseas brochures, newsletters, bulletins and IICA publications was also created. A promotional brochure is now being developed to publicize the library.

Improving Jamaica's Agricultural Productivity Project

On the request of the MOA, IICA Jamaica developed a three-year project to modernize and improve the sustainability of the local Marine Fisheries and Greenhouse subsectors. The project dubbed, 'Improving Jamaica's Agricultural Productivity' (IJAP) is part of a larger initiative of the Government to ensure food security and the sustainable development of the Agriculture sector.

Having developed the IJAP project plan, IICA received approval for CAD$4.9 million in funding from the Canadian International Development Agency, (CIDA) to implement the project and was selected to serve as the Executing Agency on behalf of CIDA. The Government has also committed approximately CAD$1.5 Million to the project.

In November 2008, the three parties signed a Letter of Intent for the execution of the project

slated for completion in 2011. By then, 40 commercial greenhouses and two packing houses will be established in clusters within the major agro-producing regions of the island. Training will also be provided to farmers and mini greenhouses will be established to research the best conditions for the propagation of certain crops using this technology across Jamaica.

On the Marine Fisheries side of the project, six fishing beaches will also be refurbished and 1000 artificial reefs deployed to spur breeding of spiny lobsters. The training of fisher folk in sustainable fishing practices and management will be conducted.

Both prongs of the project include a deliberate effort to ensure a gender balance among prospective beneficiaries. The project is anticipated to improve the livelihood of over 2500 fishers, 540 fish vendors and the 5-7 percent of the local population that rely on the South Coast for their livelihood. The 40 participating new greenhouse farmers and their families along with the existing 80 greenhouse farmers and thousands of others stand to gain from the research findings and economic potential of the greenhouse project.

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (L) and IICA

Representative in Jamaica, Mrs. Cynthia Currie (R) exchange copies of the Letter of Intent for the IJAP project in the presence of Canadian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Denis Kingsley.

Expansion of Agri-business Youth Awards

The Youth in Agri-business Awards initiated by IICA in 1999 to recognize entrepreneurship, innovation and employment among youth engaged in agriculture was expanded to three awards in 2008. The number and quality of the entrants prompted the increase from one award. At the end of the judging process, Nigel Benjamin a 30 year old farmer who operates several greenhouses, cultivates in the open field and employs 20 persons was awarded first place. Gary Ebanks, a 25 year old escallion farmer who operates 15 acres of land was the first runner up. Third place was awarded to 25 year old Dwayne Smith who operates a 6,000 sq ft greenhouse of sweet peppers and tomatoes. Presentation of the Agri-business awards was made on Emancipation Day, August 1, 2008 at the Denbigh Agriculture Show, the nation's largest agricultural show.

Enhancing the Greenhouse Sector Database

In response to the unavailability of market intelligence on the greenhouse subsector, a database was created through the assistance of IICA, Jamaica. This database was designed to capture data on the greenhouse farmers and their levels of production according to crop and specific buyer details. It is anticipated that the information generated by this database will assist the producers and policy makers to formulate the correct mix of strategies that will address local food security challenges. IICA was also instrumental in the formation of the Jamaica Greenhouse Growers Association, (JGGA) launched in 2007.

IICA Proposed Pig Clearing House for the Pig/Pork Industry

IICA Jamaica Agri-business Specialist Robert Reid proposed a Virtual Clearing House to bring together buyers and sellers in the Pig/Pork Industry so as to streamline the operational relationship between these two groups. Establishing such a comprehensive electronic production/marketing system would allow industry operators to determine supply, purchaser/trader requirements and opportunities for trade. Mr. Reid outlined the necessary steps to creating this mechanism at a February 2008 meeting hosted jointly by IICA and the Pig Farmers Association. Stakeholders representing the Ministry of Agriculture, pig producers, importers, distributors, pork processors and feed suppliers who were in attendance welcomed the idea and agreed to establish this new system. They also drafted an agreement on a protocol for importing fresh pork products in Jamaica.

11

Completion of Farmer-to-Farmer Project

The USAID and Partners of the Americas, Farmer-to-Farmer project which brought 65 overseas volunteers in the past three years to train local organizations in the agricultural sectors, ended in September 2008. Twelve local organizations benefited from the knowledge and technology transfer the programme facilitated and have reported improvements in: production practices and livestock performance, better quality and yield of crops, increased knowledge base and technical skills of member farmers, improved waste management practices and record keeping as well as reduction in pest and disease problems, chemical use and environmental degradation.

The 2008 Agri-business Youth Awardees: L-R Dwayne Smith (3rd), Gary Ebanks (2nd) and first place winner Nigel Benjamin.

Strengthening Agricultural Health and Food Safety Systems

Proposal to Restructure the Veterinary Services Division

IICA was instrumental in providing guidance for the proposed restructure and modernization of the Veterinary Services Division in the MOA. Following an extensive assessment of the Division conducted in 2006 by IICA and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the Government requested IICA to develop an implementation project plan for the modernization of the Vet Division.

In February 2008, the Office coordinated the visit of IICA Project Specialist Hector Medina and Regional Agricultural Health and Food Safety Specialist, Carol Thomas to meet with the Division's staff and key officials in the Ministry to formulate and submit the project proposal. The report was accepted and implementation of the recommendations has commenced.

Production and Dissemination of

the English-Speaking Version of the

Avian Influenza Radio Series

A radio series promoting the prevention of the Avian Influenza H5N1 virus was disseminated to stakeholders in the agriculture sector. The series used radio talk dramatization to sensitize people to the threat of the disease. It also encouraged them to adopt measures that can prevent its spread or deal with potential outbreaks. There has been no record of an outbreak of this virus in Jamaica.

Implementation of the Standards and

Trade Development Facility Project

As part of the initiative to promote the implementation of the Agreement on the Application of WTO Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Measures in the Caribbean region, the IICA office facilitated a two-part exercise to ascertain the status of Jamaica's readiness.

In September 2008, IICA's Regional Agricultural Health and Food Safety Specialist, Carol Thomas conducted an assessment of the SPS systems of the country using the Performance, Vision, Strategy (PVS) instrument for Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary measures. The assessment was informed by interviews conducted with stakeholders in the public and private sectors.

A follow-up workshop was hosted in November 2008, with a wider body of stakeholders to review the findings of the assessment and to develop strategies for addressing the needs and gaps identified. A final report of the proceedings from the workshop is being compiled for submission to the MOA. This exercise was completed with the assistance of Joe Hain, Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Expert from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Ana Marisa Cordero from IICA Headquarters.

Strengthening Rural Communities Based on the

Territorial Approach

Charles Town Beekeeping Expansion Project

The IICA office helped the Charles Town Bee Farmers Association to source a J$1.68 million grant from the USAID REACT programme to increase their honey production capability. The funding paid for a Queen rearing station and a workroom facility. It also financed the acquisition of additional hives, which has allowed members of the association to increase production, and strengthen their capacity to take on apprentices and train selected students in the area.

IICA/OAS Agro-tourism Workshop

The Office hosted the second Agro-tourism workshop in 2008 in continuation of the IICA/OAS Agro-tourism initiative launched in 2005 to help narrow the gap between Agriculture and Tourism.

Representatives from the Culinary Federation of Jamaica (CFJ), which guides the purchasing departments of several local hotels, selected farmers from

four communities in the parishes of St. Elizabeth, Portland, St. Mary and St. Andrew and representatives from the IICA Jamaica office participated in the workshop.

How to create a supply chain from soil to plate was the challenge for the participants. President of the CFJ, Dennis McIntosh called for established communication channels between farmers and the hotels. He suggested this was imperative to closing the gap between the sectors as farmers needed to be aware of the chefs' produce needs and cultivate accordingly and the chefs in turn need to be apprised of which produce were in season and know when to adjust their menus.

Bill Moore, Product Development Director at Round Hill Hotel and Villas Resort (a five star establishment), indicated that a lasting supply chain was imperative to developing a 'modern interpretation of the Contemporary Caribbean Cuisine' which is an attraction for visitors. The chefs also identified over 13 non-traditional vegetables and herbs utilized by the hotels that local farmers could produce. IICA Jamaica Representative, Cynthia Currie encouraged the farmers to deliver quality produce on a timely basis so as to foster a sustainable relationship with the tourism sector. IICA's

Agro-tourism Consultant Dr. Carolyn Hayle suggested that the farmers capitalize on Jamaica's rich culinary culture by creating culinary safari destinations in their communities.

Following on the heels of this workshop, the CFJ began to host frequent community meetings with farmers to inform them of the weekly produce needs of specific chefs. The farmers are expected to use this intelligence to guide crop production in their respective communities and avoid glut in the market.

13

A Charles Town Bee farmer examines frames in his hive.

Bill Moore (L), Product Development Director at Round Hill Hotel and Villa Resorts discusses agro-tourism with a farmer from Charles Town at the 2008 National Accountability seminar.

A community engagement study was also conducted in the Buff Bay Valley, to assess the feasibility of developing agro-tourism attractions in the area. The study was completed in December 2008 and involved:

a. A community audit that was conducted to assess the citizens' attitude towards tourists b. Identification and short listing of attractions

c. Assessment of the structural infrastructure and impact on the proposed attractions d. Assessment of the community based organizations and their capacity to manage the attractions.

This study has provided a foundation for the implementation of the European Union funded agro-tourism project, which will be administered by IICA Jamaica in the Buff Bay Valley.

Approval of the European Union Funded Agro-Tourism Project for the Buff Bay Valley

The European Union, (EU) under its Rural Diversification Programme (RDP), approved J$35.8 million in funding to the IICA office to develop an agro-tourism project in the Buff Bay Valley of Portland. This Valley is one of the former major banana producing regions. The area boasts a diverse natural environment, rich historical and cultural back-ground and strong farming livelihood. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2009, and seeks to establish tourist attractions in the area and strengthen the marketing relationship between the farmers and local hotels.

Support to Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers

IICA continued to lend institutional support to the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers (JNRWP). The Office was instrumental in hosting a strategic planning retreat with members to review the strengths and

(L-R) IICA Jamaica Representative Cynthia Currie, Minister of Agriculture Dr. the Hon Christopher Tufton and Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Jamaica, Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi Alemanni at the signing of the Buff Bay Valley Agro-tourism Project document.

15

Building Capacity Among Youth in Agriculture

During 2008, IICA Jamaica continued its commitment to building capacity and recognizing potential of young people in agriculture, so that they can contribute to developing the nation's agriculture sector in line with the vision of the Minister of Agriculture, which is to treat agriculture like a business that is productive and competitive.

The Office assisted the 2007 Youth in Agri-business awardee Dave Rankine, with a scholarship to complete his Secondary level education. Rankine cultivates hot pepper and supplies the local agro processing industry. He was also one of the two recipients of the 2008 Prime Minister's Youth Award for Agriculture.

On the referral of the Organization of America States (OAS), the Office made provision for a young vegetable farmer, Jermaine Waite, to acquire a Water Tank and accessories to irrigate his 2.5 acre hillside plot located in rural St. Andrew.

The 2008 Youth in Agri-business first place awardee Nigel Benjamin, was provided with antiviral plastic to refurbish his greenhouse following damage to the structure caused by Tropical Storm Gustav.

The Office also sponsored the 2008 Agri-business runner up Gary Ebanks, to attend the Caribbean Week of Agriculture held in St. Vincent and Grenadines. The experience afforded him regional exposure and the opportunity to make sectoral linkages.

Three outstanding candidates: Shauna Brandon, Deidre Hudson and Mark Lee were selected by the Office to participate in a hemispheric youth leadership conference at IICA Headquarters in Costa Rica. The conference was designed to: expose young leaders in agriculture from across the hemisphere to the challenges facing the sector, regardless of country; explore what it takes to lead and to develop a network of people who share similar aspirations and passions and encourage them to share their experiences.

In December 2008, Mark Lee was subsequently invited to present on the challenges and concerns for young farmers, at the inaugural Canadian Young Farmers Summit held in Alberta, Canada. This was made possible through the horizontal cooperation efforts of the IICA Office in Canada that sponsored Mark's participation. The summit was an opportunity for young farmers to meet, network and learn about 'Best Management Practices' in several areas including: Vision for the Agri-Business, Leadership, Risk Management, Human Resources, Relationships and Alliances, Production, Innovation and Environmental Management, Financial Management, Marketing Management and Confidence and Motivation.

A delegation of youth involved in Agriculture who were selected from across the Western Hemisphere to participate in IICA’s Hemispheric Forum for Young Leaders in the 21st Century. Jamaica sent three representatives to this seminar.

Introducing Technology Innovation for the Modernization of

Agriculture and Rural Life

Facilitating Dialogue on the Adoption of Biotechnology in the Americas

A teleconference to look at the advances in Bio-technology in 2007 was hosted jointly by IICA, International Service of Agro-Biotechnology Application and the Global Distance Learning Network at University of the West Indies, Mona. The conference spurred dialogue among regional experts on the extent of agro-biotechnologies adoption worldwide and more specifically in the Americas. An even more lively debate ensued on the role of the Caribbean and the Americas in this emerging trend.

The late Dr. Assefaw Tewolde, IICA Director of Biotechnology and Bio-safety in the keynote address, explored advances in agro-biotechnology and the economic and environmental benefits of genetically modified crop cultivation. The meeting drew representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, University of the West Indies, Mona, Scientific Research Council, RADA, CASE, IICA and the Office of the Prime Minister. There was also representation from Costa Rica and St. Lucia.

In April 2008, the Office coordinated efforts with the MOA to ensure Jamaica was represented among the 18 participants at the Western Hemisphere Conference on the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety held in San Jose, Costa Rica. Representation was made by Acting Senior Research Director at the Bodles Agriculture Research Station, Dr. Lisa Myers. The conference highlighted the importance of ratifying the Bio-Safety Protocol that regulates trade in genetically modified organisms and protects countries from associated risks. Several articles under the protocol were discussed and clarified, among them:

•

Handling, transport, packing and identification of Living Modified Organisms

•

Liability and redress

•

Risk assessment and risk management

•

Socieconomic considerations

•

Monitoring and reporting under the protocol

•

Subsidiary bodies

•

Report of compliance committee

Results of Inter-Agency Cooperation

IICA/CIDA/MOA Improving Jamaica

’

_{s Agricultural}

Productivity Project

Chapter

5

The Office secured CAD$4.9 million in grant funding from the Canadian International Development Agency, (CIDA) to implement the three-year Improving Jamaica’s Agricultural Productivity (IJAP) project. The IJAP project complements the Government's agenda to modernize the Marine Fisheries sector and expand the Greenhouse sub-sector to strengthen Jamaica's food security.

See pg. 10 for additional details.

IICA/EU Agro-tourism Project

The European Union through its Rural Diversification Programme (RDP) approved a grant of J$35.8 million to the IICA office to develop an Agro-tourism project in the rural Buff Bay Valley area of Portland. IICA proposed this Agro-tourism initiative to create alternative economic activity for the area.

See pg. 14 for additional details.

IICA/OAS Agro-tourism Project

Activities to bridge the gap between the agriculture and tourism sectors continued in 2008 under the IICA/OAS Regional Agro-tourism initiative. The Jamaica office hosted a workshop and a follow-up discussion session with the stakeholders in both industries which:

• Strengthened the knowledge base of both groups • Disclosed market opportunities for non-traditional crops

• Led to the refining of a supply demand mechanism between participating farmers and the Culinary Federation of Jamaica.

• Created the impetus for conducting a community engagement study in the Buff Bay Valley to determine the feasibility of an agro-tourism project in the area.

See pg. 13 for additional details.

17

USAID Grant to the Charles Town Bee Farmers

IICA secured a J$1.68 million grant from USAID to expand the production capacity of the Charles Town Bee Farmers. The funding facilitated the acquisition of additional hives, a queen rearing station and workroom facility.

IICA Funded CARDI Research Projects

Research continued on the two IICA funded Caribbean Research and Development Institute (CARDI) projects designed to:

•

Strengthen the sweet potato agro-processing industry in Jamaica and,

•

Develop a herb, spice and medicinal plant industry in Jamaica During the course of the year several activities were completed:

i. Plots of five sweet potato varieties were established ii. Anthropods were identified

iii. Chemical properties of 10 popular sweet potato varieties were conducted iv. Field plots were established for the five herbs under study

v. Measurements of various parameters (height, flowering etc.) was conducted vi. Collection and analysis of insects and disease was completed.

The projects are over-seen by a local project management committee, which includes representatives from IICA and CARDI as well as the MOA and specialists in each of the research areas.

USAID and Partners of the Americas Farmer to Farmer Project

The USAID and Partners of the Americas Farmer to Farmer project, which was executed by IICA over the last three years, concluded in 2008. Representatives from 12 local organizations benefited from the technical expertise of the 65 volunteers from North America who provided training in best practices in various facets of agriculture.

Elim Literacy Programme

The Elim Literacy Programme initiated in 2005 by IICA, in collaboration with the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL) ended in 2008. The programme was implemented to upgrade the educational levels in the community. Fifteen of the sixteen participants were awarded Certificates of Recognition for completing the two-year programme. The students completed courses in Mathematics, English Language and General Paper.

World Food Day Awards

IICA sponsored a number of awards for the School Garden competition organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The competition was hosted as part of the 2008 World Food Day celebrations and was staged to foster interest among the youth in local agriculture and engage their participation in ensuring food security.

Agro-Processors Workshop

IICA collaborated with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, (RADA) to host a business development workshop for agro-processors. The workshop addressed: costing of business products and services, food science and technology requirements, food hygiene and sanitation, packaging and labeling, equipment options and marketing. Over 40 persons from Jamaica and Haiti participated.

Standard Setting Workshop

The Office in collaboration with the FAO coordinated the participation of 13 members of the private and public sector in a regional two-day teleconference training course, on the standard setting process of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an agency of the FAO and the WHO. The inter-active training was broadcast simultaneously from the IICA Headquarters to its offices in the Caribbean.

Celebrating Partnerships - IICA Day 2008

The IICA Jamaica office welcomed many of its partners and beneficiaries on November 7, 2008 to the grounds of its Hope Gardens Office for a festive celebration of the Institute's 33 years of contributing to the development of agriculture and rural communities in Jamaica. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Donovan Stanberry commended the Institute for its inclusionary approach to serving the sector and for being an essential partner in supporting the Government's development agenda for agriculture.

Beneficiaries from several associations among them, the Jamaica Greenhouse Growers A s s o c i a t i o n , P i g Far mers Association, Charles Town Bee Farmers Association, the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers and the Elim Friendly Society spoke volumes of their organizations' progress and the pivotal role IICA Jamaica has played in their success.

Borrowing from the Jamaica Proverb, 'One Han[d] Cyaan Clap' IICA Representative in

Jamaica Mrs. Cynthia Currie said, this was the most fitting theme for the occasion and represented the sentiments of the founding fathers. “They recognized then that the viability and advancement of the industry that feeds us all is based on cooperation and collaboration or as I prefer to call it partnerships or as you would put it, they recognized that one hand cyaan clap,” she told the audience.

19

IICA Representative in Jamaica, Cynthia Currie (L) presents the IICA newsletter to Honduran Ambassador Jose Eduardo Norris (at centre) and CEO of the Jamaica Agricultural Society Mr. Lawrence Madden.

Results of Horizontal Technical

Cooperation

Chapter

6

The Office collaborated within the IICA network to facilitate several initiatives and opportunities in 2008 that aided the Government's drive to modernize agriculture, strengthen the sustainability of the sector and promote rural development in Jamaica.

•

In April 2008, the Office organized the training of a Horticulturalist and 12 Extension Officers from Jamaica in Greenhouse technology and protective agriculture in Costa Rica.

•

In response to the world fuel crisis, a report compiled by IICA on Expanding Bio Energy Opportunities in the Caribbean Region was made available to the Jamaican Government.

•

Collaborating with the Market Information Organization of the Americas (MIOA), the

Office coordinated the hosting of the first MIOA Caribbean Regional Meeting. Representatives from seven Caribbean countries attended the inaugural meeting to discuss the strengthening of agricultural mar ket information systems and the region's information gathering and distribution capacity. A workshop to discuss incorporating Jamaica into the MIOA was also hosted.

•

An Implementation Project plan for the modernization of the Veterinary Services Division in the Ministry of Agriculture was developed by the IICA Project Specialist and the Regional Agricultural Health and Food Safety Specialist. That plan was accepted by the Ministry and is being adopted.

•

Jamaica was represented at the IICA hemispheric Forum for Young Leaders in the 21st Century, held in Costa Rica. The three representatives participated in presentations on the traditional tools of leadership such as: negotiation skills, policymaking, promoting inclusive rural business and trends in information services for agriculture.

•

The Office facilitated Jamaica's participation in a regional meeting to continue dialogue on the situation of agriculture information services in the Caribbean countries and to explore new alternatives of joint collaboration for the Caribbean region.

•

The IICA office secured the services of a Pineapple Specialist to assist the Jamaica Producers Tropical Foods and the MOA to identify suitable conditions for the propagation of pineapple in Jamaica's climate.

•

IICA Economist, Joaquin Arias from the Peru Office provided guidance to the MOA on developing a study and report on the real contribution of agriculture to the Jamaican economy. The study is slated for completion in 2009.

•

An assessment of Jamaica's readiness to implement the WTO Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary

Measures was conducted by the Regional Agricultural Health and Food Safety Specialist with the assistance of a Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Expert from USDA and an Agriculture Health and Food Specialist

from IICA Headquarters.

•

In response to a request from the MOA, IICA's Regional Agricultural Health and Food Safety Specialist

IICA Jamaica Representative, Cynthia Currie and Minister Tufton (2nd in front row) with some members of the team who visited Costa Rica for training in greenhouse technology.

Youth in agriculture discuss issues pertinent to their success at the 2008 Hemispheric Forum for Young Leaders in the 21st Century.

New Opportunities for Technical

Cooperation

7

_{The recent food crisis and the attendant spiraling prices have again pointed to the need for countries to} develop their agriculture. In the case of the Institute, we believe this should be the central focus of a country's development agenda. As a result, IICA Jamaica will look for opportunities to help the country's stakeholders by providing the requisite technical assistance.

Capacity building among our youth is also proving paramount in light of an aging local farmer population and the need to ensure a sustainable and competitive agriculture sector. We will therefore intensify our emphasis on engaging and developing the country's young farmers so that their businesses keep up to date with technology and modern business practices.

Our foray into agro-tourism through the EU funded Buff Bay Valley Agro-tourism project will afford us a platform for the lessons learned to be documented and examined for wider application of this model across the island. We therefore anticipate opportunities for a greater application of agriculture to local tourism.

As implementation of the CIDA funded IJAP project advances, we anticipate a greater exploration and application of the Marine Fisheries and Greenhouse technology in Jamaica, which has tremendous potential to enhance the productivity levels of both sectors to adequately service domestic demand year round and reduce the country's food import bill.

When we reflect on our strength as an organization, it remains our ability to draw technical expertise from across the hemisphere. As such we will look for opportunities to partner with donor agencies so that we can put our expertise to work and play our part in advancing the sustainability of agriculture and rural development in Jamaica. In all of this, we will be guided by the policy agenda of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Chapter

One of the South Coast fishing beaches to be rehabilitated under the IJAP project.

Main Activities Organized by IICA Jamaica

8

The main activities organized by the IICA Jamaica office in 2008:

•

Staff Retreat

•

IICA/OAS Agro-tourism workshop

•

Training of RADA Extension Officers in Costa Rica

•

National Accountability Seminar

•

IICA/CIDA Hurricane Dean Relief Project Closing Ceremony

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IICA/PADF/Chevron Hurricane Dean Relief Project Closing Ceremony

•

IICA Day Celebration

•

Launch of the Improving Jamaica's Agriculture Productivity Project

•

SPS Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Assessment and Common Vision Session workshop

•

Strategic Planning Retreat for the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers

Chapter

IICA Jamaica Staff:

Front Row (LR): Donna Halstead Administrative Assistant, Cynthia Currie Jamaica Representative, Linette Bailey -Receptionist/Secretary, Shawn McFarlane - Temporary Librarian.

Back Row (L-R): Keisha Johnson - Communication Consultant, Andrea Marquis - Accounting Assistant, Shauna Brandon - Rural Development Specialist, James Sterling - Temporary Gardener, Henry Powell - Driver/Mechanic, Dorritt Murphy - Representative’s Secretary, Ainsworth Riley - Agri-business

INTER-AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR COOPERATION ON

AGRICULTURE OFFICE IN JAMAICA

P.O. BOX 349, Hope Gardens, Kingston 6, Jamaica W.I.

Tel: (876)927-0020, (876)702-4779/80; Fax: (876) 702-4781

Email: iicajam@cwjamaica.com

Web: www.iica.int/jamaica