Jamaica Set to Increase Earnings from Hot Pepper Value Chain
Jamaica is a significant producer of hot peppers, which is an important source of livelihood for many small-scale farmers. From an economic standpoint, hot pepper remains a reliable cash crop as both fresh and processed outputs provide income-earning and employment opportunities.
Culturally, the world fully acknowledges the magnetic effect of brand Jamaica. The Jamaican scotch bonnet and red peppers are regarded as spice royalty among international food lovers. Despite peppers being a hot commodity in local and international cuisine, the journey from farm to table is a long and complex one.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) together with the Government of Jamaica through the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) at the World Trade Organization (WTO), launched a new project “Improving Phytosanitary, Food Safety and Market Access Opportunities along the Hot Pepper Value Chain in Jamaica” at a ceremony held at the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ).
The three-year project aims to improve compliance of food safety and plant health requirements along the hot pepper value chain to increase production and export to markets such as the EU, UK, USA, Canada and other countries in the region.
The popularity and demand of the Jamaican hot peppers have grown both in local and international markets. However, there are challenges with the compliance and application of international food safety and phyto-sanitary (plant health) standards as well as consistent production of sufficient quantities and supply of high-quality hot peppers.
To counter this, the project will establish key partnerships with government agencies involved in plant quarantine and inspection, research and certification of planting material, food safety competent authorities and extension services. A critical target is to improve the technical and resource capacity of these stakeholders in Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) management and extension delivery. In addition to this, research and facilitation facilities will be supported to increase supply of clean planting material and seeds.
“Despite peppers being a hot commodity in local and international cuisine, the journey from farm to table is a long and complex one. From soil-borne pathogens to improper handling and storage, there are many risks that can compromise the safety of our food”, said FAO Representative for Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize, Dr Crispim Moreira. According to Dr Moreira, the investment in improving local capacities will eliminate constraints from the input stages and ensure more resilient and sustainable practices within the sector.
Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce in delivering his remarks at the event stated, “The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Jamaica’s Business Ministry, unreservedly endorses this project. It is anticipated that this project will derive significant benefits for small scale producers and will strengthen linkages; linkages to the tourism industry; linkages to the supermarkets; linkages to more homes; in meeting the demand and supply side of the Jamaican Hot Pepper Industry”.
A major goal of the project is to support farmers in providing a consistent supply of high-quality peppers to meet the constant market demand. Value chain actors such as farmers, middlemen and exporters will receive training and education programmes including the development of a food safety capacity building programme, and conducting farms needs assessment for food safety management.
In addition to building local capacity of stakeholders, the hot pepper value chain project is promoting gender inclusivity. The project aims to facilitate increased participation of women along different entry points within the pepper market system.