Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr (centre) views sign for the New Pen Agricultural Production Zone in New Pen, St Mary, along with, from left, Dr. Al Powell, Chief Executive Officer, Agro-Investment Corporation; Franklin Witter, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries; and Robert Montague, Member of Parliament, St. Mary Western on Wednesday, February 16 . The agro-production zone is being managed by the Agro-Investment Corporation.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Pearnel Charles Jr, on Wednesday, February 16, officially opened the 344-hectare New Pen Agricultural Production Zone in St Mary.

The establishment of the agro-production zone will be an added boost to farmers helping to improve their processes, productivity and expand their horizons.

“The ministry is focused on giving our support to make sure that our farmers are successful. We will do all that we can to make sure that this production zone is productive,” stated Minister Charles as he commended AIC on the establishment of the zone.

Managed by the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC), the primary crops being cultivated are Irish and sweet potatoes, tomato, pepper, papaya and cabbage.

In addition to the leasing of the lands, the AIC will provide business planning services, assistance with compiling business proposals and securing grant funding, establishing market linkages, crop selection and scheduling recommendations, along with guidance on developing best agricultural practices.

The Rural Agricultural Development Agency RADA will also play a role in supporting the zone through the offering of extension services which will enable the efficient use of the lands being occupied.

New Pen is one of the key farming districts in St Mary with approximately 500 hectares of land currently under production by over 60 farmers.

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