KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Agri-Business Investment Forum (JAIF 2025), held recently in Montego Bay, St. James, marked a significant milestone in fostering sustainable growth and investment opportunities in Jamaica’s agriculture and community-based tourism sectors. The event, sponsored by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund’s Rural Economic Development Initiative II (JSIF-REDI II), showcased the transformative impact of the US $40 million initiative funded through a partnership between the Government of Jamaica and the World Bank. The forum, themed ‘Sustainable Agri-Business: Global Reach, Local Impact,’ attracted approximately 500 participants from diverse sectors, highlighting its role as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. Orville Hill, JSIF’s General Manager for Finance, Procurement, and Standards, emphasized the initiative’s success in creating an enabling environment for enterprises to thrive, despite challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl and the COVID-19 pandemic. Beneficiaries, including the Ujima Natural Farmers Market and the Content Greenhouse Cluster, praised the program for its support in expanding market access and rebuilding after natural disasters. Kilara Suit, the World Bank’s Senior Agriculture Specialist, underscored the program’s achievements in capacity-building, job creation, and fostering inclusive growth. The forum also introduced a ‘Deal Book’ featuring 10 investment-ready opportunities, signaling potential projects worth billions of dollars. Vivion Scully, Chairman of the Forum and CEO of the Agro-Investment Corporation, hailed the event’s success and announced plans for a second forum in 2027, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s agri-business development.
JSIF-REDI II enhances Jamaica’s agriculture and community-based tourism sectors as a major sponsor of JAIF 2025
