The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved an additional US$12 million in financing to support Jamaica in completing a major agricultural development project aimed at boosting climate resilience and food security.

The funding will go towards the Southern Plains Agricultural Development (SPAD) Project, a flagship initiative designed to transform vulnerable farmland into productive, climate-resilient agricultural hubs.

According to the CDB, the supplementary financing—provided through its Special Development Fund—will address cost overruns linked to global supply chain disruptions following the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the impact of extreme weather events.

The additional funds are expected to close the remaining financing gap and allow the project to be completed by 2028.

CDB Director of Projects L O’Reilly Lewis said the financing is critical to preserving the gains already made under the initiative.

“This additional financing is essential to safeguard and build on the gains already achieved under the SPAD Project. Completing this innovative initiative will strengthen Jamaica’s food security, safeguard rural livelihoods and ensure that climate resilient infrastructure continues to deliver long term benefits for farmers and communities,” Lewis said.

The funds will support the final installation and commissioning of irrigation infrastructure at Amity Hall, as well as the construction of produce handling and packhouse facilities at Amity Hall in St Catherine and Parnassus in Clarendon. It will also cover engineering, supervision and project management costs.

In addition, the financing will sustain farmer support programmes, including access to climate-smart irrigation equipment through a matching grant scheme, training in good agricultural practices and climate-smart agriculture, and systems to ensure long-term operation and maintenance.

The SPAD Project, implemented by the CDB under the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund, has already delivered significant improvements across Jamaica’s Southern Plains, one of the country’s key agricultural regions.

To date, more than 790 hectares of farmland have been brought under reliable irrigation, while 40 kilometres of farm access roads have been rehabilitated. The project has also expanded access to land, water, training and market opportunities for small and medium-scale farmers, including women and youth.

By replacing traditional flood irrigation systems with more efficient, climate-resilient alternatives, the project is helping farmers adapt to drought conditions, stabilise production and reduce losses.

Key irrigation systems at Parnassus are already operational, while works at Amity Hall are nearing completion.

The initiative comes as Jamaica’s agriculture sector continues to face challenges from climate-related events, including recent hurricanes.

The financing aligns with the CDB’s Strategic Plan 2026–2035, which prioritises building economic, social and environmental resilience across its member countries.