The National School Garden Programme is being expanded through injection of $20 million from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. Portfolio Minister Floyd Green, made the disclosure at the Jamaica 4-H Clubs' National Achievement Expo at the Denbigh 4-H Centre in Clarendon on Wednesday, April 16.
"This initiative is being significantly scaled up… to enhance and establish core school gardens across the island. This expansion is aimed at promoting agricultural education, food security and hands-on learning experiences for students," he noted.
He said that part of the expanded initiative will see the ministry offering $5 million in prizes for the National School Garden Competition to reward innovation, self-sufficiency and experience in school garden projects.
Cabinet recently approved the National School Nutrition Policy, which promotes the use of more locally grown produce in the school-feeding programme, emphasising the importance of school gardens in supporting both education and national food security goals. Minister Green commended the showcase of youth innovation and resilience at the National Achievement Expo, which was held under the theme 'Shaping the New FACE of Food'.
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