Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Dermon Spence, delivers the keynote address on behalf of portfolio Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda, at the launch of the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory Preferred Farmers’ Programme in rural St. Andrew on Thursday, September 8, 2016.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, is reporting that work is advanced for the application of a cess on all imported coffee.
Chief Technical Director in the Ministry, Dermon Spence, said that most of the legislative work to facilitate the move has been completed.
He was delivering a speech on behalf of Portfolio Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda, at the launch of the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory Preferred Farmers’ Programme, in the rural St. Andrew community on Thursday, September 8th.
Mr. Spence said the Government is committed to providing the necessary support for the continued growth of the coffee industry.
He noted that last year, coffee recorded 10.4 per cent growth in production, making a significant contribution to the US$28.5 million in crop export, coming from US$18.7 million in 2014.
Mr. Spence said, “this performance is a clear indication that in spite of challenges… there is value and potential in the industry and rewards can be reaped”, noting that Jamaican coffee is among the world’s best.
“We want to grow and export as many bags of coffee beans as possible, but in addition to that, we also want to place increased focus on the value-added component of the industry,” he noted further.
Mr. Spence assured the farmers and other stakeholders that the Government is committed to providing them with the necessary training in best farming practices, through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), so that the manufacturing sector can get higher quality raw material for the production of high-value products.
The Mavis Bank Coffee Factory is a purchaser, processor and exporter of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. It procures coffee from more than 4,500 farmers.
Under the Preferred Farmers’ Programme, farmers will receive several benefits from retail and wholesale outlets, as well as pension from the company.
=31=
JIS
Welcome to the official website of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.
The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce is described as Jamaica's "Business Ministry." It's mandate is to lead the development of policies that will create growth and jobs, while achieving social inclusion and consumer protection. The Ministry, working its stakeholders is primarily responsible for business policy development, monitoring and evaluation, while giving direction and oversight to a cluster of implementing departments and agencies.
We have, therefore, placed much energy and enthusiasm into the development of this website to provide timely information on the Ministry, our agencies and programmes.
4 St. Lucia Avenue, Kingston 5, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 968-7116
Fax: (876) 960-7422
Email: ps_office@miic.gov.jm