Agriculture ministry signs MOU for agro-economic zone framework
MIIC Author

A memorandum of understanding aimed at putting in place a framework for the establishment of OUTAONE Agro-Economic Zone Project was signed by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF) with CNET Group Inc. today (March 4) at the Ministry’s Hope Gardens complex in St. Andrew.
Speaking at the signing, Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, welcomed the initiative, stating that it signalled an important step in structuring the agricultural sector.
“One of the problems stifling the growth of agriculture in Jamaica is the lack of markets for farmers’ crops,” said Minister Hutchinson.
This, he said, could be addressed through the establishment of agro-economic zones that are strategically located across the island, where all the farmers’ produce would be marketed.
Under the MOU, CNET Group Inc. will provide a HACCP, GAP-Certified multi-operational agriculture complex, an ultra-modern certified microbiology laboratory, packaging, value-added processing, commercial cold storage and service rental facilities.
Other services to be provided by CNET Group will include Market Research and Development, Export Business Development, Modern Farming Training, Farming Finance, Marketing, Distribution and Logistics Support.
In facilitating the implementation of this project, the Ministry will provide the lands necessary for the project by way of lease, ensure suitability of government -enrolled farmers for the OUTAONE Agro-Economic Zone Project, adherence of farmers to quotas set by CNET, facilitate access to resources/assistance as needed by CNET as it relates to the OUTAONE Agro-Economic Zone Project, international linkages and market support.
-30-
Recent News
See all news

Posted on 30/09/2014
Global Competitiveness Team congratulates Jamaica on rapid improvement
Head of the Global Competitiveness Team, Dr. Margareta Drzeniek Hanouz and Director of the Global Competitiveness and Benchmarking Network, Ms. Ciara Browne congratulated Minister Hylton on Jamaica’s move in this year’s Global performance Index du...

Posted on 22/09/2015
RUBIS LAUDED FOR IMPACT ON BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, has lauded RUBiS Energy Jamaica Limited for its transformational impact on the Jamaican business landscape and its commitment to the growth and development of the micro, small and...

Posted on 22/09/2015
MSME Support Agencies Merged under a Single Board
The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce has merged the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, The Micro Investment Development Agency and the Self Start Fund under a single board. The new board headed by Mr. Brian Pengelley, former Pr...