Jamaica PM outlines plans to expand cassava industry

By Michelle Nurse On Aug 4, 2015

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller being escorted by President of the Jamaica Agriculture Society Norman Grant at the Denbigh showground in May Pen on the weekend. Behind them are Minister of Argiculture Derrick Kellier (centre) and state minister for transport and works Richard Azan. (PHOTO by Lionel Rookwood via Jamaica Observer)

PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller says that Government is moving to expand the cassava industry through a number of partnerships with the private sector and the University of the West Indies, with support from the Colombian Government.

Providing details at the 63rd staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, and Food Industrial Show in May Pen, Clarendon, Simpson Miller said that a partnership between Government and brewers Red Stripe, where that company is using the tuber in the production of beer, has shown the potential of the cassava industry.

“As this new industry develops, I look forward to the opening soon of a new cassava processing plant in Elim, St Elizabeth; and thanks to the Government of Colombia for having provided this gift,” the prime minister said.