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The demand for Jamaican produce continues to surge in the post-pandemic era, presenting robust investment opportunities in orchard crop farming. Crops like Mango, Ackee, Avocado, and Breadfruit, all locally grown, are particularly sought after.

Presently, the export potential for mango orchards amounts to around USD 3 billion, with avocado at USD 2.9 billion, and breadfruit valued at USD 6 billion.

Ackee, Jamaica’s national fruit has earned USD 25 million from exports according to provisional reports from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN, 2022). STATIN also noted that for the same period, Mango exports accounted for USD 2.1 million and breadfruit, USD 1.6 million.

While traditional markets like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Canada house large Diaspora populations yearning for a taste of ‘home,’ Jamaica is strategically positioned to cater to non-traditional markets, especially in Latin America.

The island’s tropical climate, fertile lands, and well-developed irrigation systems support large-scale, high-quality production across various parishes. Orchard crops are versatile and ideal for value-added products and can be intercropped with a variety of other local crops, fostering business profitability and expansion.

JAMPRO, as the foremost agency facilitating investment, guides investors in establishing their investment projects. Services provided by the organization include site selection, business approvals, market intelligence and market penetration support.

Marlene Porter, JAMPRO’s Agribusiness Investment Manager, also highlighted during an orchard crop webinar, “Investors can benefit from Jamaica’s trade agreements, offering preferential access.”

Such agreements encompass CARIFORUM-EU/UK EPA, CARICOM, Venezuela, Colombia, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, among others.

Major Crops in Demand

Investing in orchard farming minimizes ongoing maintenance costs enhancing business profitability and productivity while mitigating crop failure risks.  Intercropping offers the opportunity to earn more by making greater use of the land and other resources.Mango, a globally sought-after fruit, offers diverse value-added products like purees, juices, pickles, jam, flakes, curries, and candies.

The parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Clarendon, St. Thomas, and St. Catherine stand out as prime locations for establishing mango orchards. A 50-acre (20.24 ha.) investment project, requires an initial investment of USD 11,000. The yield potential ranges between 400-600 ackees per tree, destined for Jamaica’s primary markets: the US, Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands.

Jamaica’s avocado industry holds untapped export potential worth USD 2.9 billion. Varieties like Choquette, Gween, and Haas thrive on the island. Beyond fresh fruit, value-added products like avocado powder, juice, sauce, paste, frozen halves, and oil contribute to its market appeal.

Avocado cultivation thrives in the parishes of St. Thomas, St. Mary, Clarendon, and Manchester, with trees expected to bear 150 to 500 fruits each. The UK, US, and Canadian markets display the greatest demand for avocados.

 Ackee, Jamaica’s national fruit, presents another lucrative opportunity. The fruit grows well across several parishes, mainly St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Clarendon. An initial investment of USD 38,000 is required to establish a 1000-acre property. Harvested primarily in the second year, ackee finds ready markets in Canada, Grand Cayman, St. Maarten, the UK, and the US, with products like canned ackee, ackee patty, and frozen/vacuum-packed ackee adding value.

Breadfruit emerges as another orchard investment option. Varieties like yellow and white heart breadfruits are annually exported to Jamaica’s traditional markets. A single tree can yield 100-250 fruits starting in its third year. Establishing a 20-acre (8 ha.) breadfruit orchard would necessitate an initial investment of USD 45,000.

The parishes of Hanover, Portland, St. Mary, St. Thomas, Westmoreland, St. Catherine, and St. James are most suitable for this endeavor. Flour, bread, tortillas, pie cakes, chips, cookies, and other desserts are among the value-added products possible with breadfruit.

In essence, Jamaica, boasting a strong diaspora market, a robust brand, and favorable climatic and agronomic conditions, emerges as the premier choice for establishing orchard farms. The global demand for top-quality crops like mango, breadfruit, ackee, and avocado is on the rise. The island stands ready to facilitate large-scale production while offering investors incentives such as duty-free importation of capital equipment, raw materials and other industry-related consumer goods and a 20% concession on farm vehicles.

JAMPRO’s Agribusiness Investment and Linkages team is poised to assist all investors aiming to establish orchard farms in Jamaica.

For more information visit www.dobusinessjamaica.com or email agribusinessinvest@dobusinessjamaica.com.