As Jamaica edges toward one of its most consequential general elections in a decade, agriculture—a sector often overlooked—took centre stage during Tuesday night’s 2025 General Election Debates.

“Under the JLP administration, the imported food cost has doubled,” PNP candidate Peter Bunting declared as he critiqued the Jamaica Labour Party’s record on food importation. “It was US$800 million 10 years ago. It is now $1.6 billion. That US$800 million—or about JMD$150 billion—should be going into the pockets of the farmers of South Manchester, South St Elizabeth, and farmers all over Jamaica.”

Bunting outlined the PNP’s vision to curb food imports by revitalising domestic agriculture through a new Agricultural Development Fund. The fund, he explained, would support modern technology, machinery upgrades, post-harvest storage, and processing facilities. Critically, it also aims to stem the tide of post-harvest losses, which he said exceed 30 per cent. “We are going to ensure that funding is available for our farmers,” he said.

Kisha Anderson of the PNP also called for reform in the agricultural sector, while offering concrete goals. “We commit to the Jamaican people and to the farmers of Jamaica to reduce importation by 25 per cent in our first term,” Anderson promised. “We also commit to helping farmers access financing at more affordable rates and terms. We also commit to helping them with products such as insurance to ensure that when natural disasters hit, the impact on them for recovery is not as high.”

Defending the JLP’s record, Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton took a broader economic view.

“First of all, there is a need to do more to develop our local industry for self-sufficiency—but also for export,” Tufton said. “The fact is, this government has done a lot.”

Citing an increase in domestic exports by 31 per cent over the last eight years, Tufton painted a picture of a growing, dynamic economy. He attributed the rise in food imports not to government failure but to increased consumer demand—driven by economic growth, tourism, and rising incomes.

“We have a thriving tourism industry and a consumer who is earning more. This will contribute to a greater demand. It’s a process, but it’s also a sign of success by this government.”