KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaican government has launched the Essex Valley Agro-Processing Facility and Administrative building as part of the transformation of its agriculture sector.
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 Hurricane Melissa severely impacted.
“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,” said Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Minister Floyd Green.
Supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)) And the United Kingdom government, through the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), the new facility forms rm part of a wider investment under the UKCIF Essex Valley Agriculture Development Project (EVADP).
It was financed through a £35.515 million (One One GBP=US$1.35 cents) BUKCIF-funded grant administered by the CDB, with counterpart support from the Jamaican government.
CDB provided additional financing through a US$26.161 million loan to the Jamaican government from its Special Funds Resources (SFR), allocated under the 10th cycle of its Special Development Fund (SDF 10).
United Kingdom Development Representative for Jamaica and Caribbean Regional Counsellor, Andrew Bowden, in commending the collaboration, said 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.”
Speaking at the launching ceremony, CDB Division Chief within its Social Sector Division, Dr. Martin Baptiste, underscored the significance of the achievement.
“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,” he added.
The initiative was designed to improve agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand farmers’ access to higher-value markets by leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure, innovative irrigation, and enhanced food safety standards.
More than 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.
The CDB said that the investment reflects its commitment to people-centred, inclusive, and sustainable growth across its Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).
Built to international standards and incorporating renewable energy and energy-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,” it added.
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