Jamaica Seeks to Expand Cocoa Industry by Aiding Farmers, Letting Them Set Own Market Value

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Karl Samuda, says said Monday, Feb. 13, that the government is committed to the expansion of the cocoa industry and will be offering increased support to stakeholders.

Samuda said the ministry, through the extension services of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, will be designating teams to work directly with the farmers in the cocoa industry.

“Small farmers will receive the benefit of highly skilled extension officers who will visit with them, guide them and assist them in how to manage their farms,” Samuda said.

He said the extension officers also will provide technical guidance to farmers on reaping practices, as well as in detecting and reacting to any introduction of diseases within fields.

Addressing the opening ceremony for the recent International Fine Cocoa Conference and Chocolate Expo, the Samuda said this collaboration between the government and the independent cocoa farmers is crucial. In addition to technical advice, farmers will be provided with seedlings and other productivity incentives to encourage an expansion of cocoa production to more parishes across the island.

Meanwhile, Samuda said legislation to establish the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority, which was passed in the House of Representatives in September, will allow cocoa farmers to determine their prices and enable higher levels of competition within the industry.

The JACRA results from the merger of the Coffee Industry Board, Cocoa Industry Board, the regulatory functions of the Coconut Industry Board and the Export Division of the Ministry. It is responsible for the development, regulation, promotion and standardization of the agricultural commodities industry. It is intended to ensure the efficient and competitive development of the sector.

“Instead of the industry being controlled by the government dictating prices for the product, the new legislation, which focuses on regulating industries that contain brands that are critical to Jamaica, allows the players within the industry to be free to market their own product. This means an independent farmer can go and market his own product and go in search of the best price,” the minister said.

Samuda said the government will focus on monitoring the integrity of the quality of products in the market to ensure it meets internationally recognized standards.

“A new door has opened and the government will be doing everything to promote the expansion of cocoa production,” he added.

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