In this episode of Project Good, host Annmarie Hylton interviews Neil Curtis, leader of Farm Up Jamaica, a local initiative aimed at revitalizing Jamaica's agricultural sector through climate-smart organic farming. The discussion covers the evolution of farming in Jamaica, the socioeconomic challenges faced by local farmers, and the comprehensive support model employed by Farm Up Jamaica. Curtis shares his personal journey into farming, the collaborative efforts of the Jamaican diaspora, and the importance of reeducating farmers with modern techniques. The episode also highlights the critical role of community-driven initiatives in fostering economic development and food security.
00:00 Introduction to Project Good Podcast
00:31 The Evolution of Farming in Jamaica
01:02 Introducing Farm Up Jamaica
02:28 Interview with Neil Curtis Begins
02:40 Challenges in Jamaican Agriculture
07:31 The Birth of Farm Up Jamaica
21:14 Community-Driven Farming Initiatives
26:57 The Importance of Local Farming
37:09 Empowering Jamaican Youth Through Agriculture
50:41 Call to Action for the Jamaican Diaspora
56:20 Conclusion and Contact Information
Farm Up Jamaica is a local initiative aimed at addressing some of the key challenges facing the agricultural sector in Jamaica. The program focuses on empowering Jamaican farmers, increasing food production, and promoting sustainable farming practices. It was launched in 2016 by the Jamaican Government, with the support of private sector entities, and other stakeholders. The program is designed to promote agricultural development, food security, and job creation within the rural economy.
Neil Curtis who leads FarmUp Jamaica and has decided to pursue a long-time heart-felt objective to tackle the current economic crisis in Jamaica through the revitalization of agriculture with climate smart organic farming.
With a strong family history in Jamaican farming, Neil understands the value and tradition of farming to live. In 2013, during the Jamaica Diaspora Conference, Neil met Jamaicans from the US, UK and Canada who shared a common, heart-felt concern regarding the underutilized agricultural sector. In contrast to Tourism, which represents 60% of the Jamaican Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Agriculture only represents 6% of the economy. Together, the Diaspora organized to form Farm Up Jamaica Ltd. which would work to help safeguard jobs & food security in addition to reducing crime through large-scale cultivation of organic produce.