History of JOAM

The Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement (JOAM) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization managed by a seven-person Board of Directors. JOAM was established in May 2001 after the Jamaica Organic Growers’ Association (JOGA) ceased to exist.

JOAM has made significant contributions to the development of Jamaica’s local organic agriculture industry through activities such as developing the framework for certification, training inspectors, extension agents and farmers and establishing demonstration sites islandwide.

Objectives of JOAM

Advocating for research and development of organic farming techniques along with the establishment of demonstration farms.

Promoting and facilitating the production, distribution and consumption of all types of organic agriculture products.

Aid and promote better environmental and human health through the acceptance and practice of organic farming techniques.

Assisting willing producers to convert to organic production and to obtain certification.

Mission

Facilitating the development of a sustainable and economically viable organic agriculture sector in Jamaica while maintaining organic integrity, promoting health and environmental consciousness, and social responsibility.

Achievements

  • JOAM in collaboration with CPEC produced an Organic Farming Handbook and Standards for Organic Production and Processing.

  • In June 2002, JOAM successfully trained organic inspectors as part of a JOAM/CPEC project.

  • JOAM launched a local certification programme on March 3, 2004.

  • Adopted as the national standard on June 22, 2016, JOAM partnered with the Bureau of Standards to develop the CARICOM Code of Practice for Organic Production and Processing.

  • JOAM has partnered with accredited certification bodies to support persons interested in exporting organic produce.