Why Jamaica Still Struggles to Feed Itself — and How We Can Change That

Food security remains one of Jamaica’s most critical development goals. Despite our fertile lands, agricultural heritage, and tropical climate, Jamaica continues to face challenges in achieving full food self-sufficiency. Rising import bills, climate change, and structural weaknesses in local food production have made food security a national priority.

A Brief History of Food Insecurity in Jamaica

Today, Jamaica imports over 60% of its food, spending more than US$1 billion each year. That dependency leaves us vulnerable to global disruptions — whether it’s a pandemic, a shipping delay, or inflation. The portion of our diet supported by the local market is also vulnerable, given our susceptibility to natural disasters like hurricanes and drought. A weakness further exacerbated by a history of little to no sustainable and industry driving development.

Food insecurity is not a today problem. We were not born in 1962 importing most of our food as soon as the Union Jack was lowered. Jamaica’s struggle with food security is deeply rooted in its colonial agricultural model. The country’s early economy was built on export-oriented crops such as sugar, bananas, and coffee. These industries prioritized external markets over domestic food production creating a legacy of dependency on imported staples such as flour, rice, and wheat.

By the 1980s, liberalization policies further exposed Jamaica’s agriculture to international competition, leading to the decline of local small farms. Imported food became cheaper and more accessible, discouraging domestic production. Without capital investment into sustainable farming methods, farmers to this day face yearly disruptions which contribute to inconsistent food supply and rising prices.

*Sidenote: Liberalization gave us access to processed, unhealthy foods as cheaper alternatives. This promoted a society that today suffers from many non-communicable diseases, but that conversation is for another article. *

14 months ago, the passing of Hurricane Beryl reminded us how fragile our local industry still is when our “Bread Basket Parish” was affected. Livestock and crops were lost with its passing, leaving us with months long scarcity and further over reliance on imported goods.

A vicious cycle.

The Chicken Problem

📸 WongaGyal

Then there are the artificially created issues that consumers face. Let’s shine the spotlight on Jamaica’s most consumed and primary source of protein, chicken. Jamaica's poultry industry is dominated by two large companies that operate under a system of high import tariffs, a situation some describe as a monopoly. This system protects local producers from competition but leads to significantly higher chicken prices for consumers. Critics argue that the high tariffs benefit the monopolies, disproportionately affect low-income households, and hinder overall food security. Supporters of the protectionist policies contend, they are necessary to protect the local industry and its jobs.

Lisa Hanna, former Member of Parliament, has called attention to the high cost of chicken and the urgent need for greater investment in feed production and local farming systems. She argues that our “tariff and permit system restricts competition, enriches the big players, and leaves small farmers poor, workers underpaid, and families burdened with high prices”. Jamaica imposes a 260% duty on chicken—the highest in the Caribbean region.

Her advocacy echoes what many Jamaicans are feeling: we need policies that make local food both accessible and affordable, while ensuring farmers can earn a sustainable living. Her comments reflect broader public frustration over the affordability of basic foods, as global inflation and supply chain issues have pushed up prices in supermarkets and markets across the island.

What must be done?

Encouragingly, both government and private stakeholders are now —finally—turning toward self-reliance and food sovereignty. Private companies are investing in agro-processing and storage infrastructure, which is an essential step toward reducing waste and ensuring year-round food availability.

📸 WongaGyal

The Jamaican government has taken steps to modernize agriculture and improve food resilience. New projects are helping to boost production, reduce waste, and improve access to local foods. A standout example is the new agro-processing facility built in St. Elizabeth. This facility allows farmers to process, package, and preserve their produce—extending its shelf life and opening new doors for export and local retail. This offers protection of our food supply during natural disasters which often lead to higher prices in the months that follow due to scarcity.

Such projects are part of a larger movement to add value locally and keep more of the food economy in Jamaica, thus promoting more local production. Organizations like RADA (Rural Agricultural Development Authority) are training farmers in climate-smart practices, while private companies are investing in food storage and packaging. Even schools and restaurants are sourcing more local ingredients, helping to close the loop between producers and consumers.

Jamaica’s journey toward food security is far from over, but it’s moving in the right direction. The work of farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and storytellers alike plays a vital role. And for those of us in the food marketing space, there’s never been a more exciting—or more important—time to shine a light on Jamaica’s homegrown potential.

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