The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) has been making strides to strengthen and sustain the nation’s coffee industry through various innovative programs. From monitoring coffee varieties to improving quality standards, their initiatives reflect a commitment to ensuring Jamaica’s reputation for premium coffee on the global stage.
Variety Monitoring and Improvement
JACRA, in collaboration with World Coffee Research and PROMECAFE, has launched a comprehensive variety assessment and improvement project. This initiative involves evaluating 25 coffee varieties grown in Jamaica and other coffee-producing nations for their:
Adaptability
Disease resistance
Cup quality
Trials are underway in both the Blue Mountain and High Mountain regions. Alongside these trials, JACRA ensures quality through meticulous monitoring of wet mills and inventory checks at warehouses. A new nursery policy is also being finalized, aiming to standardize nursery operations and effectively regulate cultivated varieties.
Farm Registration for Sustainability
A farm registration project is being conducted to create a robust database for Jamaica’s coffee sector. Supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association (JCEA), the project focuses on:
Expanding coffee acreage
Enhancing demographic insights
Providing financial and insurance solutions for farmers
This registration initiative is critical for ensuring the long-term sustainability and development of Jamaica’s coffee industry.
Ensuring Quality in Roasted Coffee
To maintain high standards in the local market, JACRA monitors the quality of roasted coffee products up to four times annually. Although this coffee isn’t tested in regulatory facilities prior to sale, roasters are guided on bean quality for roasted or value-added coffee products, ensuring consumers enjoy premium products.
Pesticide Residue Analysis for Export Safety
In collaboration with the Chemistry Department at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, JACRA oversees pesticide residue analysis in green coffee beans to meet international food safety standards. This policy ensures that coffee shipments adhere to minimum residue levels (MRL) before export, reinforcing Jamaica’s reputation for high-quality, safe coffee. To optimize testing, one in every three shipments per entity is analyzed.
Establishing a Coffee Training Institute
JACRA is exploring the establishment of a Coffee Training Institute to further professionalize the coffee sector. This institute would offer:
Certification for cup testers and regulatory panelists
Training for industry stakeholders, including coffee shop staff and restaurant baristas
This initiative aims to elevate Jamaica’s coffee service industry while ensuring consistent quality and expertise across the board.
Through targeted programs like variety monitoring, farm registration, and quality assurance, JACRA is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable coffee industry. Whether through scientific innovation or education, these initiatives ensure that Jamaica’s coffee remains a global standard for excellence.
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