New Zealand’s Climate Smart Agriculture Programme Boosts Jamaica’s Beef and Dairy Sector

Kingston, Jamaica — A transformative agricultural partnership between New Zealand and Jamaica is helping the island nation strengthen its climate resilience and productivity in the beef and dairy industries. The initiative is part of New Zealand’s broader Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean, which is backed by a NZ$10 million investment from 2022 to 2026.

Between August 12 and 18, technical teams from New Zealand and Jamaica conducted a collaborative visit to cattle and beef farms, engaging directly with local farmers to discuss production challenges and share expertise. The teams focused on identifying key issues affecting productivity, such as feed availability, herd health, and sustainable grazing practices. Their discussions aimed to foster knowledge exchange and explore innovative solutions tailored to the unique environmental and economic conditions of each region.

Farmers welcomed the opportunity to speak with international experts, raising concerns about disease management and climate-related impacts on livestock.

The visiting teams offered insights into best practices including data-driven herd management and pasture optimisation techniques. This cross-cultural dialogue not only strengthened technical understanding but also laid the groundwork for future collaboration in improving beef production efficiency and resilience.

New Zealand’s CSA programme is delivering targeted support to improve the country’s agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory systems, a critical step in meeting international climate commitments. By enhancing the accuracy and transparency of agricultural emissions reporting, Jamaica is better positioned to develop effective mitigation strategies and unlock climate finance opportunities.

One of the programme’s key components involves conducting feed trials aimed at improving livestock productivity while reducing methane emissions. These trials are designed to identify locally adapted feed options that enhance animal performance and lower the environmental footprint of beef and dairy farming.

The initiative also supports capacity building through training and technical assistance, enabling Jamaican researchers and policymakers to adopt low-emission farming practices and technologies. This includes collaboration with the Caribbean Cooperative MRV Hub, where New Zealand experts are working alongside regional specialists to strengthen measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems for agricultural emissions.

New Zealand’s CSA programme is implemented in partnership with the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA), and reflects a commitment to locally-led solutions that integrate traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science. New Zealand is working alongside the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean because our collective interests depend on adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

As climate change continues to challenge food security and rural livelihoods, the Jamaica project stands out as a model for how international cooperation can drive sustainable agricultural transformation. By focusing on both mitigation and adaptation, the CSA programme is helping Jamaica build a more resilient and productive future for its livestock sector.