Did you know that agriculture in Jamaica is thriving? Farming is a booming business on the island. It accounts for approximately a quarter of the jobs in the country. Agriculture is an essential part of Jamaica’s economy. Tours of several working plantations give tourists the opportunity to see this side of island life.

What is agriculture?

Although you have most likely heard this word before, you may be wondering, “just what does agriculture mean?” Put simply; agriculture is farming. In the dictionary, agriculture’s definition is:

1. the science, art, or occupation concerned with cultivating land, raising crops, and feeding breeding, and raising livestock
2. the production of crops, livestock, or poultry.

What Does a Farm in Jamaica Grow?

In 1997, agricultural production accounted for a whopping 7.4 percent of Jamaica’s GDP. While sugar is the main agricultural product grown in Jamaica, it is far from the only item produced in the country. The island also produces bananas, coffee, spices, pimentos, cocoa, citrus, and coconuts.

Sugar

The island of Jamaica produced a staggering 237,943 metric tons of sugar in 1996. Reportedly, 181,183 metric tons of sugar were exported that same year, with a jaw-dropping price tag of $109 million in U.S. dollars. Most of Jamaica’s sugar production is on large sugar plantations. However, small and medium-sized businesses are responsible for somewhere between 30 and 40 percent of the island’s overall sugar production.

Banana tree. Image CC by 0, by Arminas Raudys, via Pexels

Bananas

In 1996, Jamaica produced 88,917 metric tons of bananas, bringing in approximately $44.1 million dollars. Usually small farmers grow the islands bananas, rather than large plantations. Bananas are Jamaica’s second largest agricultural product, next to sugarcane, which has held first place on the island for decades.

Other products

The rest of Jamaica’s agricultural scene is made up of smaller products, such as cocoa, coffee, hot peppers, and pimentos. Surprisingly, the majority of the agricultural products produced in Jamaica are for export. However, at the same time, most of the food actually consumed on the island is imported. The result is that food prices on the island tend to be higher than average.

Famous Jamaican Farms to Visit

During your visit to Jamaica, take the opportunity to tour one of the island’s tropical plantations. While these sprawling farms are throughout the country, there are several that offer tours. These tours allow you a glimpse into a side of life on the island that is well worth your time to see. Among the most popular plantations offering tours are Croydon Plantation, Prospect Plantation, and Sun Valley Plantation.

Croydon Plantation

The Croydon Plantation grows pineapple and citrus. Tours of the Croyden Plantation have are among the top 10 most popular things to do while visiting the island. Croydon has won the National Champion Farmer Trophy three times. The tour includes a barbecue lunch as well as the chance to sample a variety of pineapples, citrus fruits, juices, sugarcane, and world famous Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.

Prospect Plantation

At Prospect Plantation, you can do more than just take a tour. Luxury accommodations are available in villas and the 18th century Greathouse. This building was originally only one level but an upstairs addition came in the 19th century. Prospect Plantation is made up of 1,000 acres of pure paradise.

Sir Harold Mitchell bought the property in 1936; On the plantation, he grew crops such as Jamaican pimento (allspice), coconut, lime, banana, pineapple, coffee, and sugar cane. He and his wife, Mary Mitchell, hosted heads of state, royalty, and diplomats over the years. Among these high-profile guests to have visited Prospect Plantation are Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, HRH Prince Phillip and US Ambassador to the UN Andrew Young.

Sun Valley Plantation

During a tour of Sun Valley Plantation, you will learn about the plantation’s history and the tropical fruit grown here. You will also get a chance to taste fresh coconut milk and enjoy a delicious brunch made from fresh produce harvested on the plantation. Tours begin promptly at nine in the morning, but hotel pickups begin about a half hour before this. Transportation from local resorts to the plantation is part of the ticket price.

Image of orange trees on a plantation. Image CC by 0, via MaxPixel

Ganja Farm Tours

Visitors to Jamaica are also able to tour ganja farms that grow marijuana. These tours teach tourists how this plant is grown and also explain to tourists just exactly what it is that makes Jamaican cannabis so unique. Some of these unique ganja farm tours also offer visitors the chance to pay their respects to reggae legend Bob Marley.

Department of Agriculture

In Jamaica, all agriculture overseeing is by Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, and Fisheries (MICAF). Their mission is creating, “an enabling environment which grows and sustains industries in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and service sectors; strengthen national quality infrastructure; and ensure food & nutrition security, food safety, and consumer protection.” According to the MICAF website, they hope to ensure that “Jamaica has innovative, inclusive, sustainable and internationally competitive industries in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and service sectors” by the year 2030.

Agriculture in Jamaica

As you can see, agriculture is an essential part of Jamaica’s economy. Whether it’s sugarcane, bananas, or some of the best coffee in the world, these products are vital to the island. During your trip to Jamaica, take a few hours to enjoy a plantation tour and experience this integral part of life on the island.

Featured Image: CC by 0, by Sadie Dixon via, Pixnio