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As Jamaica’s coconut industry works to recover from the effects of Hurricane Melissa and other longstanding challenges, the Coconut Industry Board (CIB) is placing renewed emphasis on research and innovation as a key pillar of the sector’s recovery and long-term sustainability.

Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Shaun Cameron, says scientific research remains central to efforts to rebuild the industry, strengthen disease resistance, improve planting material and secure the future of coconut farming in Jamaica.

“No industry can survive without proper research,” Mr. Cameron...

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coconut Industry Board (CIB), Shaun Cameron, says a new coconut hybrid is nearing release, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to enhance the sector’s resilience and ensure its long-term viability.

He told JIS News that the breakthrough stems from years of dedicated scientific research focused on identifying coconut varieties best suited to Jamaica’s unique climate and topography.

“Research on a hybrid, based on climatic conditions and topography, takes about 10 to 14 years before we can say that it’s suitable for our environment...

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, says the Government is implementing a multi-pronged approach to bridge the gap in the farmer-to-extension-officer ratio.

This, as he emphasised that the Government is aware of challenges being experienced due to a less-than-ideal number of the agricultural professionals being available to provide critical services for farmers.

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) employs extension officers.

Responding to questions during a Special Press Conference at Jamaica House in Kingston on Monday (...

Fifty cocoa farmers who successfully completed training in Cocoa Frosty Pod Disease Management have received seeds and agricultural tools from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining.

The presentation took place at a graduation ceremony held on April 1 at the Denbigh Showground in Clarendon.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, explained that the donation by the Ministry was part of support for continued recovery and productivity in the sector.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to revitalising the cocoa industry through training and material support...

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is advising that there is no ongoing importation of eggs under the temporary arrangement, as the waiver of duty on egg imports officially ended on February 28, 2026.

No new import permits have been issued since December 2025, reflecting the Ministry’s deliberate approach to managing supply based on direct assurances from industry stakeholders that local egg production had sufficiently rebounded following recent climatic disruptions.

It is important to note that the temporary decision to facilitate egg imports through a duty...