Category Archives: News

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

In its continued response to the COVID-19 crisis, J Wray and Nephew Limited has provided 286 bartenders with care packages, through its ‘Shaken not Broken’ farmers’ market. The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) collaborated with the company on the initiative, by facilitating the redistribution of produce for this venture, which was held at, 234 SpanishContinue reading “286 Bartenders Receive Assistance”

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, is encouraging farmers to increase production, as markets are available. Speaking at the handover of agricultural inputs to St. Catherine farmers at a forum held on June 11 in Dunkeld, in the parish, he said farmers should use the supportContinue reading “Farmers Encouraged To Produce More”

With more food establishments offering delivery services due to coronavirus (COVID-19) physical distancing guidelines, operators of such entities are being advised to put measures in place to ensure that meals are properly packaged and safe for consumption. “Your goal is to deliver food and drink under sanitary and untampered conditions. The priority should be toContinue reading “BEST PRACTICES FOR SAFE FOOD DELIVERY DURING COVID-19”

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, has commended the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) for recently signing two international agreements. He was speaking at a virtual ‘World Accreditation Day’ forum hosted by JANAAC on June 9 at the Ministry in Kingston. “I must commend JANAAC for signing the Inter-American AccreditationContinue reading “JANAAC Commended By Industry Minister”