Fresh Produce Exports Earn US$78 Million Annually
The average annual export of Jamaica’s fresh produce industry is approximately 34.5 million kilogrammes (kg), with estimated earnings of US$78.32 million.
Currently, Jamaica exports to more than 30 countries worldwide, with the United States of America (USA), Canada, the United Kingdom and Cayman Islands being the most important markets for Jamaican produce according to jis.gov.jm
“Yam export is a significant contributor to this figure, with an average export of approximately 14.24 million kg and estimated earnings of US$36.74 million,” Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., noted during a Plant Quarantine Exporters’ Forum held on February 14 at the Ministry’s offices in Kingston.
He said for 2022, more than 15 million kg of fresh produce was exported to the USA, valued at J$40.4 million, followed by Canada with exports of over 4.325 million kg, valued at approximately J$11.1 million.