EU project launched in Jamaica to improve local food exports

By Michelle Nurse Last updated Nov 27, 2014

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Anthony Hylton (left), greets Resident Representative of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Rajeev Gopal, at the launch of the ‘Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Support to Jamaican Food Exports’ project. Looking on is Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Jamaica, Ambassador Paola Amadei. **(Photo via Jamaica News)**

Jamaica’s small farmers and food producers are set to benefit from a European Union (EU)-funded project, aimed at raising the quality of food products and increasing access to export markets.

The project, being implemented under the €7. 25 million Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) II Programme, was launched yesterday morning at the Courtleigh Hotel, New Kingston.

The initiative, dubbed ‘EPA Support to Jamaican Food Exports,’ aims to work with farmers and small and medium enterprises to lift the quality of their food products, such as sauces and spices, Blue Mountain Coffee and packed fresh produce for local distribution as well as export.