#Kingston, May 3, 2019 – Jamaica – Small farmers and agro-processors are to benefit from increased support under the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s (RADA) Agro-Processing Incubator Project, aimed at supporting the development of small-scale rural enterprises.
The agency, on Wednesday (May 2), signed a memorandum of understanding
with CNET–OUTAONE, to
further strengthen the programme by offering training, technical advice and
marketing support to users of the incubators.
The support will be facilitated under OUTAONE’s Agro-economic Zone Project,
which involves partnership with the Ministry
of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, for the establishment
of agro-processing facilities throughout Jamaica.
Senior
Advisor and Consultant in the Ministry, Robert Miller, said that the
partnership between the entities “will facilitate growth in our economy through
increased value-added production and effective utilisation of resources as well
as provide greater linkages with agricultural suppliers, producers and buyers”.
He
was delivering remarks on behalf of Minister without Portfolio, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, at the signing ceremony held at RADA’s Hope
Gardens complex in St. Andrew.
Mr.
Miller noted the need for greater market
opportunities and a structured distribution network to increase growth in the
agricultural sector. He said that the establishment
of agro-economic zones that are strategically located across the island is part
of measures to rectify the issue.
Launched in 2017, RADA’s incubator initiative enables persons
to access training in value-added production to start
their own business. Beneficiaries
receive assistance in the areas of production, product development, marketing,
and general business support.
Under
the MOU, CNET-OUTAONE will work with RADA to activate and enhance the
agro-processing incubators to be used for cottage industries as well as assist the
agency to provide product development and management support to farmers for the
delivery of marketable products.
It
will also provide the opportunity for farmers to sign on to OUTAONE EXCHANGE,
where they will be able to offer their commodities for sale in the global
marketplace.
During
Wednesday’s function, CNET-OUTAONE also signed an agreement with the All-Island
Jamaica Cane Farmers Association to encourage diversification into other crops
based on the downturn in the sugar industry, and providing markets for farmers
locally, regionally and internationally.
OUTAONE is a regionally focused
initiative aimed at revolutionising and unlocking the economic potential of the
diaspora through farming, agro-processing, marketing and financing.
Release: JIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s (RADA), Peter Thompson (seated left), along with Director, CNET-OUTAONE, Robert Thompson (seated, centre), prepare to sign copies of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at boosting support to farmers and agro-processors. Waiting to affix his signature (seated, right), is Co-founder, CNET-OUTAONE, Errol Bailey. Overseeing the process (standing, from left) areRobert Miller, Senior Advisor and Consultant to Minister without Portfolio, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson; Chairman, RADA, Nigel Myrie; and Vice President, Operations, CNET, Clarence W. Hill.
Insert: Robert Miller, Senior Advisor and Consultant to Minister without Portfolio, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, addresses participants at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and CNET-OUTAONE for increased support to farmers. The signing ceremony was held on May 1 at RADA’s Hope Gardens complex in St. Andrew. Listening are Director, CNET-OUTAONE, Robert Thompson (centre); and Chief Executive Officer, RADA, Peter Thompson.
Photographer: Adrian Walker