Hot Pepper farmers from St. Ann and St Mary at the conclusion of the regional training series

Hot Pepper farmers can now say hello to new business opportunities following the conclusion of the Agricultural and Insurance Product Capacity Training series. Coordinated by the 'Improving the Improving Phytosanitary, Food Safety, and Market Access Opportunities Along the Hot Pepper Value Chain in Jamaica' the sessions took place over the period June 11 to July 30, 2024, engaging farmers from St. Ann, St. Mary, St. Catherine, Clarendon and St. Elizabeth.

The sessions were led by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation and covered modules including the entrepreneurial mindset, strategic mindset, financial management and financial statements. Over the period the farmers received guidance on developing business plans, enhancing record keeping, financial planning as well as budgeting and forecasting. As a complement to the business sessions, the Companies Office of Jamaica, provided guidance on formal business registration and other services.

The capacity building series also included participation from financial institutions, introducing farmers to insurance products designed for livelihood protection in the face of extreme climate events.

 “I am fully impacted by what was taught it will help me as I go forward planning the business of farming and I will also impart to other farmers of my farming group in Walkerswood. So that they too will be educated and better able to plan their farms and manage their business”, said Alfred Williams, hot pepper farmer from St.Ann.

“Normally as farmers we don’t see farmers as a business but now the shift is taking place where we now understand that farming is not just providing food for myself and my family, but it is really a business that can benefit the country as a whole”, furthered Williams.

Nickolee Anderson, hot pepper farmer from St Mary expressed gratitude for the exposure to new concepts in business.  “Most of the things I have learned I have incorporated them in my farming business. I truly didn’t know how to do a business plan and I have learnt that. I learnt networking and so many different things I can take back to my community.”