Growth & Jobs | Women contribute to the growth of agriculture

Women make up about two-thirds of persons employed in agriculture, but this fact is unknown to many in and out of the sector.

However, if Janett Pullen, marketing, projects and training manager at the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) has her way, women will not only gain the recognition they deserve, but play even more significant roles.

“When I did my research, I realised that women contributed a lot to agriculture. They make up 67 percent of persons employed in the sector; however, they are mainly seen as playing a supporting role to men. Then there is the perception that women in agriculture look and dress a certain way, which is not a correct view,” she maintained.

She said women continue to break new ground in agricultural research, both in Jamaica and abroad, in areas such as food processing, research and other departments.

“You have women such as Dr Florence Young and Jasmin Holness, who are heavily involved in agriculture research, as well as many others who are contributing to the development of the sector. Women in agriculture are employed in all areas of the sector,” she added.

ORIGIN OF CONFERENCE

To highlight the contribution of women to the sector, 13 years ago, the marketing projects and training manager approached the then president of the JAS with the idea of a conference to honour and highlight women in the sector.

“We highlighted their contribution and hard work; taught them financial literacy; and, educated them about new techniques, grooming and other areas,” she stated. “Many did not know that farming was only one area of agriculture. We have Jamaican women who are breaking ground in plant genetics, agro processing, and other areas who also deserve to be highlighted,” she affirmed.

Pullen added that based on the success of that initiative, the men have expressed an interest in a similar programme.

“The men have been asking us about their workshops, because they maintained that some of what is being taught to the women would also benefit them,” she added.

Since the start of the pandemic, the annual conference has been affected by funding. Pullen said that the JAS was grateful to JN Life Insurance Company for its assistance with mounting the conference, which was held virtually.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic, funds to mount the event were limited. We therefore approached JN Life Insurance, and Ms Davia Brown, the assistant general manager, was very receptive to our initiative. The team provided the support needed and also provided some of our members with insurance advice and planning for retirement,” she said.

Othneil Blagrove, senior manager of sales at JN Life Insurance, said the life insurance company was pleased to be a part of the conference because of the importance of agriculture to the Jamaican economy.

“The agriculture sector is one of the largest drivers of the Jamaican economy and provides employment in a large number of areas. We also recognise that women also play an important role in this sector, whether it is in the fields, the factories or the labs; however, they are not given the respect they deserve,” he affirmed.

“Therefore, we were pleased to be a part of this initiative, because it not only recognised the contributions of women; it also provides advice for financial wellness, whether it is retirement planning or preparing for illnesses. We also congratulate those who will be honoured and wish them all the best,” he added.

Pullen said the idea to honour women in agriculture came about because of an experience she had while she was parish manager for St Catherine, after having an experience with a couple.

Pullen said she is optimistic that even more women will receive recognition in years to come. She adds that prior to the awards, women in agriculture were not recognised at the national level. However, for the last three years, three women have been awarded Orders of Distinction.

“Next year, we will look at women who are involved in what we call the ‘guardians of our food chain,’ and those involved in the public sector. We will honour some 20 persons as we normally do, because women play such an important role in agriculture and we need to keep recognising them. We are committed to ensuring that we nominate our women for national awards,” she maintained.