May Pen, Clarendon — In another major stride toward promoting sustainable agriculture and economic resilience in Jamaica’s bauxite-bearing communities, the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) officially launched its Greenhouse Production on Bauxite Lands manual at the 71st staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show.

The manual is a comprehensive guide to greenhouse establishment, water management, crop selection, and production best practices. It is designed to empower small and medium-scale farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance food security, increase productivity, and strengthen climate resilience—particularly in areas transitioning from traditional farming.

Speaking at the launch, Public Relations Manager Ms. Kadeja Lewis noted that the manual is part of the Bauxite Community Development Programme’s (BCDP) broader thrust to stimulate economic activity in rural areas and highlight the viability of mined-out lands springing agricultural wealth.

She said:
“This publication is both timely and necessary. It reflects the JBI’s commitment to not just minerals management, but to the people and communities who have long supported the industry. It is further testament to the industry’s environmental responsibility of ensuring mined-out lands are put back into productive use.”

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining described the launch as “an excellent initiative by the JBI.” Also in attendance were Vivion Scully, CEO of the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC), representatives of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), and members of the BCDP’s Community Councils.

The launch took place at the JBI’s exhibit during the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show, held August 1–3. Denbigh is widely considered the largest agricultural show in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Since 2017, the BCDP has been involved in greenhouse farming on bauxite lands through the establishment of its Greenhouse Clusters, with more than 13 greenhouse sites already in operation across bauxite-bearing parishes. Established in 1996, the BCDP focuses on “Life After Bauxite”—a mission of reinvesting the earnings from the bauxite industry into sustainable projects that support communities around mining areas.

As the Denbigh Agricultural Show continues to showcase agricultural excellence and innovation, the JBI/BCDP’s launch of its Greenhouse Manual stands as a reminder that Jamaica’s mining legacy is not only one of extraction, but of “Life After Bauxite”—turning red earth into green wealth.

The JBI continues to extensively support the agricultural sector through numerous projects aimed at food security and sustainability. Implemented through the BCDP, these initiatives represent more than J$279 million invested in agriculture as of March 2024.