The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in Jamaica concentrated its efforts on promoting biofortified crops, fostering the bioeconomy, and supporting agriculture. As part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regional strategy, this work led to the introduction and development of biofortified crop varieties for both production and consumption. IICA also partnered with Jamaica 4-H Clubs, the College of Agriculture, Science and Education, Northern Caribbean University, and Ebony Park HEART Academy to showcase bioeconomy applications. In addition, a donation of vegetable and fruit seeds helped more than 100,000 farmers recover from tropical storms. Finally, the Institute prepared a proposal that strengthened the country’s cocoa value chain.

IICA’s purpose in Jamaica is to be the provider of choice for technical cooperation and services, mobilising additional external and domestic resources to meet the needs of the agricultural sector. The Institute seeks to demonstrate flexibility and rapid response to the ministry and key stakeholders, while capitalising on emerging opportunities and building staff capacity.