J.C. Hutchinson, Minister without Portfolio in the Agriculture Ministry - file photo
Minister without Portfolio in the Agriculture Ministry J.C. Hutchinson says the agro-economic zone being established at the Holland Estate in St. Elizabeth will start a new era for farming in Jamaica.
The 2,400-acre property will comprise farms as well as grading, packaging and processing facilities, which will provide opportunities for employment.
There will also be a central area where farmers can sell their produce.
Hutchinson, who toured sections of the property on Friday, said the processing facility will serve as a template as to how to reduce food waste in Jamaica.
He explained that produce, when reaped, will be graded, with the 'A' grade crops going to the hotels and export markets; the 'B' grade will go to the local market' and the 'C' grade will be processed into juices, jams, jellies and other things.
He said produce from the agro-economic zone will be utilised in the breakfast programme at schools throughout St. Elizabeth.
All feeds
