The Inter-American Development Bank has given the Jamaican government a $15.1 million loan to boost the country’s Agricultural Competitiveness Programme.

The announcement was made by Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke, who said the plan would be implemented over a five-year period.

“The overall project is aimed at promoting market access by small and medium-sized farmers, improving the performance of the country’s food quality and safety management system and stimulating private sector investments in the agricultural sector,” Clarke said.

The Minister said stakeholders in other countries had “heavily” invested in creating value chains for crops in which they have a competitive advantage.

“Developing value chains should be the buzz world on all our lips, because value chains ensure that entrepreneurs remain more completive by seeking opportunities in the dynamic marketplace,” he said.