The Government of Jamaica has marked a major milestone in the transformation of its agriculture sector with the official launch of the Essex Valley Agro‑Processing Facility and Administrative Building. The state-of-the- art structures aim to revitalise rural livelihoods, modernise agricultural production, and strengthen food security in St. Elizabeth, one of the country’s key “bread basket” parishes that was severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB / the Bank) and the Government of the United Kingdom (UK) through the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), the new Facility and Building form part of a wider investment under the UKCIF Essex Valley Agriculture Development Project (EVADP).

At the high-level launch ceremony, Dr. Martin Baptiste, Division Chief, Social Sector Division, CDB, underscored the significance of the achievement, stating “The Facility and Building that we are opening today are among the successes of the Essex Valley Agriculture Development Project (EVADP) - one of the most ambitious and transformational agricultural investments undertaken in Jamaica in recent years. At its core lies a simple but powerful idea: that sustainable, climate resilient agriculture can anchor rural prosperity. The facilities we are commissioning today embody that vision.”  

The initiative was designed to improve agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand access to higher value markets for farmers through cutting edge infrastructure, innovative irrigation, and improved food safety standards. Over 700 farmers operating on 810 hectares in Essex Valley stand to benefit from the facilities. EVADP exemplifies strong collaboration and supports Jamaica’s Vision 2030 priorities, particularly food security and climate resilience.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, highlighted the importance of the achievement, explaining “This facility can hold 22 containers worth of food that is produced in and around this area. But it is not only for storage. It is equipped to process what we grow into juices, purees and concentrates. It is equipped so that things can be washed, graded and sorted. It is equipped so that we can attain the standards of the markets abroad that are looking for agricultural produce from Jamaica.”

The Project was financed through a £35.515 million UKCIF‑funded grant administered by the Bank, with counterpart support from the Government of Jamaica. CDB provided additional financing through a USD 26,161,000 loan to the Government of Jamaica from its Special Funds Resources (SFR), allocated under the 10th cycle of its Special Development Fund (SDF‑10).

During his remarks, Mr. Andrew Bowden, United Kingdom Development Representative for Jamaica and Caribbean Regional Counsellor, commended the collaboration, saying “The partnership between the Government of Jamaica, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the United Kingdom has delivered real, measurable benefits. Together, we are building the foundations for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.”

The investment reflects CDB’s commitment to people-centred inclusive and sustainable growth across its Borrowing Member Countries. Built to international standards and incorporating renewable energy and energy efficient‑efficient solutions, the Facility and Building provide targeted support for farmers, including persons with disabilities, to deliver lasting social and economic benefits for the people of Essex Valley.

As Jamaica continues to recover from the effects of Hurricane Melissa, CDB remains firmly committed to supporting the country’s recovery and reconstruction. This support focuses on rebuilding stronger, smarter, and more resilient systems through initiatives designed to withstand the climate challenges that now define the Region.

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Photo caption: Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness (third from right) hands over the Essex Valley Agro-Processing Facility in St. Elizabeth. He is joined by (left to right): Andrew Bowden, United Kingdom Development Representative for Jamaica and Caribbean Regional Counsellor; the Honourable Franklin Witter, State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries  and Mining; the Honourable Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining; Marcus Vassell, Farmer; Dr. Martin Baptiste, Division Chief, Social Sector Division, Caribbean Development Bank; Vivion Scully, CEO, Agro-invest; Imran Powell, President, Essex Valley Benevolent Society; and Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce