Jamaica is poised to become a regional leader in agricultural innovation with the launch of the Caribbean’s first IICA Fab Lab, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to advancing research, technology adoption, and creative solutions in agriculture. The initiative was confirmed during a bilateral meeting between a Jamaican delegation, led by Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green, and Dr. Manuel Otero, Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), at the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) in St. Kitts and Nevis. Minister Green emphasized that the Fab Lab underscores Jamaica’s commitment to modernizing agriculture and solidifying its leadership in the region. He stated, ‘Jamaica is making it clear that agriculture is a national priority, and we are determined to lead the region on a new trajectory of innovation and resilience.’ The Fab Lab, a digital fabrication laboratory equipped with advanced technology, will focus on designing and producing Internet of Things (IoT) equipment tailored for agricultural applications. It will also offer training and hands-on opportunities for farmers, youth, and entrepreneurs to enhance their skills in modern agricultural technologies, thereby advancing food security and competitiveness. Dr. Otero highlighted the significance of science and technology in agricultural development, noting that the Fab Lab aligns with IICA’s broader efforts under the Caricom Vision 25 x 2025+5 Initiative, which aims to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2030. The bilateral meeting also addressed strengthening cooperation in soil management, disaster preparedness, productivity, and market access, further cementing Jamaica’s role as a hub for regional and global agricultural advancement.
Jamaica to establish Caribbean’s first IICA Fab Lab for agricultural innovation – ministry
