Jamaica has a strong brand in the international market place, not only in tourism but in a range of areas including spices, condiments and flavours and products which reflect the Jamaican lifestyle and culture.

The following projects submitted for discussion at the Forum reflect the current priorities of the government for increased production in both strategic and high-value products.

• Expansion of Sheep Farming is one project geared to satisfy the tourism market. Currently there are 5,000 ewes on the ground and the objective is to expand the stock to 60,000 ewes by 2013. Investors are being sought to expand production.

• Hot Peppers for Sauces and Seasonings: Jamaica has proven advantage in the production of the Scotch Bonnet Pepper, This is used along with other seasonings to produce the world-famous jerk sauces and seasonings. There are younger farming enterprises like King Pepper which are grossing 6 digit figures in the production of acres of peppers and other seasonings for the sauce market. This year the government announced it intention to promote the expansion of another 950 acres of hot peppers to meet demand. There is also a US$4 Million business plan for pepper mash and related products.

• Baby Corn, and Other Vegetables for Export and the Hotel Sector

Green Produce Farm, a 300 acre concern to the North of Jamaica, is seeking Investors/Financiers to participate in the current expansion efforts to meet an expanding EU demand. The Farm is owned and managed by Patricia Isaacs-Greene a Restarateur and former vice President and Franchisee in the US-based McDonald’s Food Chain.

Green Produce prides itself on using sustainable methods of farming, including organic farming on land that has never been compromised by the use of chemicals.

• Cassava and Sweet Potato Products

In response to the current food crisis, the new and energetic Minister of Agriculture has announced specific incentives to local and international investors for farming and processing cassava and sweet potato to promote food security and nutritious convenience foods, available more cheaply than traditional wheat and potato-based products. The Jamaica Scientific Research Council working with the Extension Service has already developed more than ten cassava-based products some of which are available commercially.

Investors are being sought anywhere along the value chain and a projects is being finalized for discussion at the Forum.