In 2016, Farm Up Jamaica and the Northern Caribbean University inked its first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement gives Farm Up Jamaica access to 100 acres of virgin organic farmland on a 1200 acre farm owned by the university located in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica.

In line with our mission, our first objective is to help reduce the importation of foreign food into Jamaica while creating opportunities for students who want to become Jamaica’s new line of defense for food security. We begin by planting onions to help the government reduce the importation of over 10,000 tons of onions which are being imported into the country.

Secondly, students are mastering the cultivation of the Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper to increase exports. Currently, most Scotch Bonnets in the export market read: Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper, (product of Dominican Republic or Mexico).

Trials have been completed at this location and has proven that peppers will do extremely well here. We are ready to expand the production and would love to have people from around the world partner with local student farmers. We have trained the students to grow these peppers organically and they are ready for an entrepreneurial experience. Part of our preparation includes introduction to business and integrity in business. Here, students learn about negotiating contracts, doing business on a handshake and that their word means everything.