Agriculture ministry signs MOU for agro-economic zone framework

A memorandum of understanding aimed at putting in place a framework for the establishment of OUTAONE Agro-Economic Zone Project was signed by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF) with CNET Group Inc. today (March 4) at the Ministry’s Hope Gardens complex in St. Andrew.
Speaking at the signing, Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, welcomed the initiative, stating that it signalled an important step in structuring the agricultural sector.
“One of the problems stifling the growth of agriculture in Jamaica is the lack of markets for farmers’ crops,” said Minister Hutchinson.
This, he said, could be addressed through the establishment of agro-economic zones that are strategically located across the island, where all the farmers’ produce would be marketed.
Under the MOU, CNET Group Inc. will provide a HACCP, GAP-Certified multi-operational agriculture complex, an ultra-modern certified microbiology laboratory, packaging, value-added processing, commercial cold storage and service rental facilities.

Other services to be provided by CNET Group will include Market Research and Development, Export Business Development, Modern Farming Training, Farming Finance, Marketing, Distribution and Logistics Support.

In facilitating the implementation of this project, the Ministry will provide the lands necessary for the project by way of lease, ensure suitability of government -enrolled farmers for the OUTAONE Agro-Economic Zone Project, adherence of farmers to quotas set by CNET, facilitate access to resources/assistance as needed by CNET as it relates to the OUTAONE Agro-Economic Zone Project, international linkages and market support.
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