Category Archives: News

Several former sugar cane workers will soon benefit from the initial allocation of some 400 acres of land in St. Thomas for the cultivation of cash crops. “Agriculture is the lifeline of this country and there is no doubt that it is we, the small farmers, that have been keeping it going,” said the HonContinue reading “Former sugar cane workers to be allocated land in St. Thomas”

Entrepreneurs are being encouraged to conduct market research in order to improve their products and services and increase sales. “It is important for small businesses to use market research. It can be used to determine how a product may be marketed, why persons may purchase a product or how often they could purchase the product,”Continue reading “Entrepreneurs Urged To Do Market Research”

Food creatives and entrepreneurs are being encouraged to use the period of slowdown in business due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) as an opportunity to innovate and expand their services and brand. Chef and owner of Moveable Feast Caterers, Michele Williams, said that “as people who are passionate about food… now is the time to lookContinue reading “Food Creatives Encouraged To Innovate”

Approximately $11 million was spent at recent farmers’ markets and business fairs organised by the Social Development Commission (SDC) as the agency tries to keep community businesses in operation during this period of economic downturn, caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). Public Relations Manager of the SDC, Mandel McKulsky, told JIS News that the amount inContinue reading “Millions Spent At Farmers’ Markets”

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries has developed a National Five-Year Manufacturing Growth Strategy for Jamaica, aimed at achieving $81 billion per annum in manufacturing output by 2025. “This translates to an approximate annual average growth rate of three per cent over the five-year period,” said Portfolio Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw. He wasContinue reading “Gov’t Targets $81 Billion In Manufacturing Output Per Annum By 2025”

The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association (JMEA) is reporting that members are having success on the local and export market since the COVID-9 outbreak in March. Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, said based on a report from the JMEA, listing some 20 Jamaican companies, the country has been able toContinue reading “JMEA Reports Success In Local And Export Markets”

Effective January 2021, all cattle will be required to have ear tags and corresponding passports. This announcement was made by Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, in his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, July 1. Hutchinson said that allContinue reading “Cattle must have ear tags and corresponding passports by January 2021”

Each year on International MSME Day, we pause to recognize the importance of our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Globally, MSMEs account for 90% of businesses and 60-70% of employment. Here in Jamaica, our MSMEs contributed $80.4 billion in revenue in 2018 and account for 35% of the nation’s jobs. Additionally, there are approximatelyContinue reading “Minister Audley Shaw’s message in recognition of International MSME Day 2020”

The Jamaica 4-H Clubs is inviting young people to register for its family backyard garden challenge. The competition, which started in May, will run over a three-month period and is open to Jamaica 4-H Clubs members, volunteers as well as members of the public aged nine and over. Executive Director of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs,Continue reading “4-H Launches Family Backyard Garden Challenge”

Over the years, the Jamaica 4-H Clubs has emerged as the leading organisation supporting youth in agriculture through its initiatives. Business and Entrepreneurship Development Manager, Villet Kelly-Bennett, tells JIS News that the organisation has been assisting a number of young people in starting up or expanding their agribusinesses. One channel through this is being facilitatedContinue reading “Jamaica 4-H Clubs – Supporting Youth In Agriculture”