Jamaica 4-H launches youth agriculture symposium to strengthen food security

Jamaica 4-H Clubs, working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, has launched the Agricultural Youth Symposium as part of efforts to help shape the future of farming in Jamaica. Held under the theme Youth in Agriculture, Building Resilience and Food Security, the event brought together young agri-entrepreneurs, educators and industry experts around one central point: the sector must draw in more young people.

More than 1,500 students and young farmers from all 14 parishes took part in the symposium, which included seminars, panel discussions, networking sessions and displays highlighting agricultural technology and innovation. Organisers said the initiative was meant to connect students directly with agricultural organisations and industry leaders so they could build relationships, identify available resources and better understand the different ways to enter the field. They also pointed to the aging farming population and said the country needs a new generation to replace it.

The symposium also pushed a wider view of agriculture as a business opportunity, not just a production activity. Participants were encouraged to see the sector as one with strong earning potential, broad opportunities and room for people to become their own boss through agri-business.

One of the young farmers featured at the event started farming during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since expanded into goat milk and meat production. The farmer said goat milk processing is still difficult because there is no facility at home, so the milk has to be collected in the mornings, filtered, frozen and then taken to another facility for processing.

Other participants displayed produce from Manchester, including sweet corn, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, hot peppers, escallion and thyme. Entrepreneurs also showcased wellness-based products identified in the transcript as turmeric powder, ginger powder and bearum leaf powder for culinary and health use. Several participants said the symposium had been life-changing because of the exposure and networking it provided, and the event overall underscored Jamaica's commitment to investing in its young people despite ongoing challenges.