The establishment of an FAO Office in Jamaica in 1978 ushered in the dawn of more targeted technical support to promote the development of the country’s food and agriculture sector. In its 40^th year as a Representative Office in Jamaica, FAO continues to work with the Government of Jamaica to achieve sustainable agricultural and rural development primarily through its Technical Cooperation Programmes (TCPs).

Throughout the years, FAO’s work in the country has spanned policy development, technical skills mobilization, institutional strengthening, the promotion of women in agriculture, resilience building, resource mobilization, youth engagement, advocacy, community empowerment, participatory learning approaches and the investment in rural and agricultural development.

Shaped by the FAO Country Programming Framework for 2016-2019, FAO’s work will focus on value chain development for strengthening food systems, food and nutrition security and building resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Eight TCPs, a South to South Cooperation Project with Chile, and a joint United Nations Project, targeted at promoting food and security nutrition and building resilience of rural, peri-urban and urban communities are programmed for 2018. Another major highlight for the celebratory year is the convening of the 35^th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean in March 2018, held in Jamaica for the second time in 50 years.

FAO remains committed to continued collaboration with the Government of Jamaica and in working to achieve sustainable food and nutrition security within the country. Learn more about our work in Jamaica here.