Offices and Departments

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)

The Foreign Agricultural Service represents the interest of U.S. farmers and the food and agricultural sector. The agency collects, analyzes and disseminates information regarding supply, demand and trade trends; identifies emerging market opportunities; seeks improved access for U.S. products; builds new markets and maintains U.S. competitive position; carries out food aid and market related technical assistance programs; operates import and export programs.

The U.S. satisfies about half of Jamaica's annual agricultural import requirements. In addition to spot and scheduled reporting, the FAS/Kingston prepares market briefs on specific commodities, market trends and opportunities reports, exporter guide and marketing channel reports. As a part of our trade servicing activities, the FAS/Kingston also provides technical information on local market requirements and general market information to U.S. suppliers. Other trade servicing activities include assistance in sourcing commodities through the online U.S. supplies list, trade leads, buyer alert, trade directories and trade show promotion. FAS/Kingston actively recruits attendants to the Food Marketing Institute/U.S. Food Export Showcase¹, National Restaurants Association show², the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) show³ and Americas Food and Beverage show⁴. Recruitment for the 2000 Produce Marketing Association and III Americas Food and Beverage shows are in progress. The World Dairy Expo and Monterey Wine Festival are also promoted locally. FAS/Kingston has facilitated one reverse trade show and is working to make this and annual event.

FAS/ Kingston is responsible for a variety of programs which facilitate the sale and marketing of U.S. foods and fiber in Jamaica. Programs range from our Public Law 480, Title I food aid program to more commercial programs such as the GSM 102, Supplier and Facilities Credit Guarantee Programs. These programs promote sales of bulk and high value commodities and provide credit guarantees for infrastructure and equipment to be used in the handling/marketing of U.S. product. The FY 2000 P.L. 480 Program is for US $5 million. This will be used to purchase approximately 24,000 metric tons of brown or milled rice for the Jamaican market.

To adequately promote products and provide technical assistance to the Jamaican market, FAS/Kingston works closely with regional agricultural trade groups, state departments of agriculture and cooperators. U.S. Wheat Associates, American Soybean Association, U.S. Meat Export Federation, and The Grains Council are the most active cooperators in the market. The Southern Forest Products Association/American Plywood Association, U.S. Livestock Genetics Inc., Maryland and Florida Departments of Agriculture also maintain contact with the office.  

FAS Officers

• Regional Agricultural Attaché - Jamie Rothschild (resident in Santo Domingo)
  
• Agricultural Specialist - Sylburn Thomas