Prime Minister Holness Calls for Stronger Alignment Between the Agriculture and Tourism Sectors
Prime Minister the Dr. Andrew Holness has issued a directive to the Ministers of Agriculture and Tourism to collaborate closely with stakeholders in the tourism industry to strengthen the integration between Jamaica’s agricultural sector and the growing tourism market.
Speaking on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) at the Opening Session of the 8th International Technical Symposium of the Caribbean Poultry Association at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Prime Minister Holness emphasized the importance of ensuring that Jamaica’s farmers are positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the tourism industry, which attracts more than four million visitors annually.
“We have directed the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Tourism to work with the tourism sector to ensure that there is strong coordination between agriculture and tourism. We must never see the market for our product as just three million Jamaicans. We are having over four million visitors coming to Jamaica every year,” said Prime Minister Holness.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the agricultural sector must be equipped to feed the local population and serve the expanding tourism market with authentic Jamaican produce. This effort is part of a broader strategy to build a sustainable commercial ecosystem where farmers are supported through long-term investments and contracts.
“We have to create the commercial ecosystem that supports the long-term investment of farmers that gives them that certainty and security of return so that they can invest in increasing output. And it is clear that the poultry industry leads the way in that, and it’s a good model for us to study and learn from,” the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Holness pointed to the poultry industry as a successful example of how long-term supply contracts can create stability for farmers and attract necessary capital investment. Dr. Holness urged hotel operators and tourism enterprises to adopt similar models by engaging farmers directly and offering long-term commitments that foster growth and reliability in the agricultural sector.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader vision to modernize agriculture, support rural livelihoods, and deepen economic linkages across key sectors, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development for all Jamaicans.