Food Security a Top Priority for the Government

• Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. says Jamaica’s food security is a top priority for the Government. He further highlighted that there is global demand for Jamaican produce, adding that the Government is seeking to increase local production of several crops, particularly onion. 
• The Ministry has set a target of increasing onion production from 20% to 70% to meet local demand. Additionally, there are other crops that the government will focus on in order to reduce its import bills such as Ginger and Potatoes. 
• According to the Minister, the “first order is that Jamaica should be able to feed itself, feed its tourists, and then go out and stretch across the world,” Mr. Charles Jr said. He further noted that agriculture is a critical component of the country’s economic recovery, urging Jamaicans to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the sector. 
• Food security has a positive impact on economic growth through poverty reduction, increased total employment and an improvement in life expectancy. This will therefore enhance and support Jamaica’s economic recovery in 2022.

(Sources: JIS News & NCBCM Research)