Jobs, Jobs in Horticulture!

With the global downturn in the economy, there is one sector the remains unexplored in the Jamaica that can translate into jobs which is the horticulture industry according to Senator Norman Grant.


“The time is right to carry out a survey on this industry and begin to see horticulture as a sub sector of the agriculture sector that can contribute tremendously to the micro economy and open the door to jobs and wealth creation for our people” Sen. Grant revealed at the 46th annual Flower Show at Montego River Garden.

Grant, who is also the president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), argued that due to the nature of this industry and its link to tourism the government needs to engage in a Memorandum of Understanding between stakeholders in both sectors. He revealed the Caribbean countries including Jamaica has spent millions of dollars in the past to feed its demand for horticulture but has to import it from countries like the United States of America, which indicates the need to produce and supply our neighbouring countries.

Operating under the theme “Jamaica: Wi Bountiful” the St. James Horticulture Society hosted a two day flower show that gave hobbyist and professional florist an opportunity to showcase their skills in decorating and arranging of flowers. In addition the show facilitated an environment for networking with hotels, banks, schools and other interest groups while competing against each other in specific flower skills area.

Irwin High School, who was the only school in Montego Bay to participate at the event, generated widespread interest from horticulture fans. The school’s booth featured organic vegetable crops, mini hydroponics demonstration and a mini greenhouse.

According to Aeon Stewart, of the school’s agriculture department, “we are trying to showcase how simple organic farming is, how you can use discarded materials to grow seedlings and how you grow plants without soil through hydroponics”.

He further emphasized the importance of youths to get involved in agriculture at this time given the current economic environment where jobs are hard to find.