The Ministry of Agriculture has launched a national ackee cultivation project.
In phase one the Ministry will distribute 5,000 plants; phase two – 20,000; and phase three 50,000.
The Ministry has advocated the need for farmers to diversify production. Jamaica has a well established ackee industry serving both local production and export.
Ackee is in great demand since it is used as an alternative to meats. Ackee fetches a high price in the US and UK markets.
This is the second major distribution of tree crops conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture in a month.
The distribution of several varieties of citrus plants earlier this month created national excitement among farmers and home owners. Persons interested in collecting plants can contact the Orange Hill Tissue Culture Lab.
