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About RADA

Welcome to RADA

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Industry Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries. RADA was established under the Rural Agricultural Development Authority Act of 1990, replacing the Land Authorities Act and began its operation on August 1, 1990. It is Jamaica’s chief agricultural extension and rural development agency.

Our  Vision:

To become the leader in the drive towards achieving national economic growth and stability through agricultural development.

Our Mission:

RADA is committed to promoting the development of agriculture in Jamaica, as the main engine of economic growth in rural communities, through an efficient, modern and sustainable extension service which will enhance the national economy and improve the quality of life of rural farm families.

Our Mandate:

To enhance the development of farming through an effective, efficient and sustainable Extension Service.

To supplement information to rural development agencies, thereby assisting to advance improvements in rural infrastructure.

  • To provide the supplemental social services required for the improvement of the quality of life of farm families.
  • To provide technical advice to farmers of any size. To provide a reliable agricultural marketing information service.
  • To assist in the implementation of specified rural development projects.

Our Objectives:

Training and development of its extension personnel at all levels, through a programme of in-service training geared towards improving their efficiency levels;

  • Development and implementation of a programme of continuous training for farmers and rural women, in order to improve and increase their knowledge and capability levels;
  • Mobilization of agricultural credit and other input opportunities for small farmers;
  • Stimulating the formation of production marketing groups and providing marketing intelligence to farmers and inter-mediaries;
  • Cooperation with agencies involved in the development of rural infrastructure in order to improve the quality of life in rural communities;
  • Development and operation of rural agricultural service centers at strategic locations in order to bring the service closer to farmers;
  • Implementation of selected projects which impact on the farming and biological environments (watershed development, hillside agriculture) in order to stem environmental degradation and promote the use of natural resources;
  • Liaising with agricultural research organizations in order to provide the technology delivery link to rural farmers;
  • Encouragement of agro-industrial development in order to contribute to national food security and reduce the reliance on food imports;
  • Provision of a channel for the free flow of policy inputs from farmers and for the implementation of policy decisions taken by policy makers;
  • Assistance to rural women in identifying income generating opportunities and developing small businesses through which they can earn a livelihood.

We are now ISO-9001:2015 certified

RADA as an ISO-9001:2015 certified entity will improve the quality of service delivered to all of our stakeholders.