Jamaica’s Limestone Export Booms: 300% Increase Amid Rising Global Demand

Jamaica has experienced a remarkable 300 percent increase in limestone exports over the past year, driven by escalating global demand for its high-grade minerals. This significant growth was highlighted by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, during a “Riverside Chat” at the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on June 18, 2024.

Speaking on “Investment Opportunities in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining,” Minister Green emphasized Jamaica’s rich history of mineral investment. He noted that while the country is widely recognized for its bauxite and alumina exports, there has been a substantial uptick in limestone exports recently.

“Jamaica has some of the highest-grade limestone in the entire world, and now we have Jamaican companies providing chemical-grade limestone for products like antacids and toothpaste,” Minister Green stated. “We have tremendous opportunities, as Jamaica is comprised of 90 percent limestone,” he added.

Expanding Opportunities in Agriculture and Fisheries

Minister Green also shed light on various investment opportunities in agriculture and fisheries available to the diaspora. He particularly emphasized the Government’s Food for Progress Jamaica Spices project, a collaborative initiative with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and ACDI/VOCA.

This USDA-funded project aims to support 7,500 farmers and agricultural market systems, with a focus on women, youth, and marginalized groups. The initiative seeks to create a diversified and vibrant spice sector, targeting a 50 percent increase in the production of ginger, turmeric, and pimento through improved planting material and management practices.

Food for Progress Jamaica Spices Project

Launched last year, the Food for Progress Jamaica Spices project is a five-year initiative that runs until 2027. It aims to rejuvenate the island’s spice industry by boosting the yields of turmeric, ginger, and pimento by 50 percent on 2,250 hectares of land. This project is projected to generate sales of USD 20.75 million, with annual exports contributing USD 14.5 million to this target.

The conference, which took place from June 16 to June 19, provided a platform for engaging discussions on investment and growth opportunities within Jamaica’s key economic sectors, showcasing the country’s potential to attract significant diaspora investment and support sustainable development.