Growth & Jobs | Reimagining Agriculture:

FARMING HAS the power to drive economic growth, secure food supplies, and create generational wealth. Recognising this potential, the Desnoes & Geddes (D&G) Foundation recently hosted its Farmers’ Training Initiative in St Thomas, under the Learning for Life programme, to equip farmers with essential business and agricultural skills.

In collaboration with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, the initiative empowers farmers to approach agriculture as a sustainable and profitable enterprise. The programme builds on earlier support provided through Red Stripe’s Project Grow (2017-2021) and continues under JSIF’s Second Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI II). Through REDI II, St Thomas farmers received over $40 million in farming inputs, such as fertilisers and irrigation materials, to enhance their productivity and resilience.

The training sessions, led by Red Stripe’s Extension Lead Devarn Breakenridge, focused on business essentials, including stakeholder relations, financial management, and sustainable farming practices. Breakenridge emphasised the importance of treating farming as a structured business. “Managing expenses, maximising profits, and planning effectively are key to building a legacy in farming. It’s about much more than planting crops – it’s about creating a sustainable business model,” he explained.

For farmer Oronde McNeish, who cultivates bananas, cassava, and citrus trees, the training was a game-changer. “The exercise is very good because it goes beyond the ‘pencil and paper’. We discuss many other critical things that impact farming as a business. Cassava, for me, is not just about Red Stripe. Food security is a big thing in my family and cassava is high on the agenda for food security. So, I’m looking at [cassava] flour; I’m looking at bammy; I’m looking at what to do with the starch; I’m looking at what to do with the skin, what to do with the sticks that are unsuitable for planting. I’m looking at all of those things. It’s an industry in and of itself,” McNeish said.

He also praised the programme for its grassroots approach. “The D&G Foundation and its partners meet us where we are. Hosting this in St Thomas made it accessible and impactful,” he noted.

Farmer Rosemarie Lumsden echoed his sentiments, appreciating the hands-on nature of the training. “This session was a timely reminder of the right way to approach farming as a business. The practical exercises on journalling and inventory management helped me break down costs and improve my intercropping strategies. It was truly enlightening,” she said.

D&G Foundation accountant Dennis Beckford highlighted the initiative’s broader significance. “Empowering farmers with business skills transforms their trade into a catalyst for economic growth. By fostering sustainable practices, we’re building stronger communities and contributing to Jamaica’s future,” Beckford stated.

The Farmers’ Training Initiative exemplifies the D&G Foundation’s commitment to community development and agricultural innovation. By equipping farmers with modern techniques and business strategies, the programme positions agriculture as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s economic resilience. For the farmers of St Thomas, this training represents a vital step toward reimagining the role of farming in their lives and the nation’s future.