Great opportunities for Jamaica’s horticultural industry- Minister Shaw

Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw says that there are tremendous opportunities to be gained from the horticultural industry in Jamaica.

According to Minister Shaw Jamaica has the potential to turn the horticultural industry and flowers into a great export commodity.

“We must seek to isolate a number of our flowers that are unique to Jamaica and turn them into an industrial export commodity so that we can really create jobs, earn some great profit and also some well needed foreign exchange”, the Minister stated.

Minister Shaw was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 63rd staging of the Jamaica Horticultural Society’s Flower Show, held at its showgrounds, Hope Pastures on April 27, 2018.

In his remarks, Mr. Shaw cited countries like Colombia, the Netherlands, Kenya and Ethiopia that have turned flowers into an enormous industrial crop, gaining billions of dollars, which have created wealth and prosperity for their countries.

“Jamaica can follow suit. And guess who can do it? – an organization that has been so resilient, 63 years old, the Jamaica Horticultural Society. You can do it. The Government is committed to partnering with you to grow this lucrative industry”, Mr. Shaw informed.

The Minister also advised the horticultural society members to start thinking commercial and industrial production in order to take on the sophisticated world market that is looking for the best and the highest quality products and, is willing to pay money for what can be produced here in Jamaica.

The Jamaica Horticultural Society Flower Show 2018 was held from April 28-29. The show included flora endemic to Jamaica, plant sales, lectures, demonstrations and a children’s corner.
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