Red Stripe nourishes ‘Project Grow’

In light of the challenges faced as a result of climate-change, adverse weather conditions, and resource constraints, cassava farmers are now benefiting from equipment donations as part of Red Stripe’s ‘Project Grow’ farming initiative.

The support is aimed at boosting crop yields, expand cassava production and improve the farmers’ financial stability in the coming months. The outreach kickstarted in St Thomas, where farmers leasing plots at the Plantain Garden River Agro Park are being supplied with vital farming and irrigation machinery.

“Through these donations, we want to significantly advance the socioeconomic status of the farmers involved, improve irrigation practices, and maximise local cassava production. With the support of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), our company can strengthen the “Project Grow” initiative and improve cassava production following an unwanted downsizing in 2020. Our first step towards expanding the project this year begins in St Thomas. We have provided four farmers at the Plantain Garden River Agro Park with essential equipment, such as dripping hoses, irrigation fittings, fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides, and fertilisation pumps, geared towards enhancing production and irrigation,” expressed D&G Foundation Director Dianne Ashton Smith.

As part of the company’s broader local raw material initiative, ‘Project Grow’ is dedicated to sourcing locally for beer production while strengthening the local agricultural sector. Focused primarily on cassava cultivation, the project provides opportunities for youths to undergo agronomy training and contracts outgrow farmers to cultivate cassava on behalf of the company. However, the initiative faced setbacks due to dry weather, limited farming resources, and financial setbacks, resulting in downsized farming activities. In response, Red Stripe partnered with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) and has since begun receiving vital support from the agency to sustain cassava farmers.

Last year, the company reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing its ‘Project Grow’ farming initiative during a courtesy call with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining. This recent farming and irrigation equipment donation marks the first step towards fulfilling that commitment.

“This donation from Red Stripe perfectly aligns with our strategic plans to boost production for both this year and the next,” shared Barrington Rhoden, manager of the Plantain Garden River Agro Park.

“Through this partnership, I anticipate significant increases in production volumes and an enhancement in the financial standing of participating farmers dedicated to meeting production targets. My focus is to redirect resources from those leasing land, but are not actively producing towards supporting individuals with a genuine interest in the sector yet lacking sufficient resources for their farm work. So, the company’s contribution comes at the perfect time.”

Over the next few weeks, Red Stripe will extend its efforts to St Mary and Clarendon, which plans to donate farming equipment to additional contractors and their beneficiaries.

“These donations form one aspect of a comprehensive range of support services we offer our cassava farmers. From supplying plant material and offering technical assistance to guiding them through harvesting periods and facilitating sale opportunities, we show up. Our commitment to this initiative is twofold: not only does it enable us to source cassava locally, but it also ensures consistent sales for our farmers. Despite setbacks and competition, our project continues to expand, and we remain dedicated to making a lasting impact on the agricultural sector while enhancing the value chain,” added Ashton Smith.

Red Stripe will expand the initiative to other parishes across the island to double its current reach of 12 contractors by the end of the year.