RYEEP BUILDER NATIONAL AGRI-BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION FINALS 2026

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:36:09]All right.

[00:36:27]because all kindly so that when we have program invite Mhm.

[00:53:15]All right, good morning ladies and gentlemen.

[00:53:19]My name is Peter and I will be your moderator for today. I'm the foreign product manager for the beautiful land of K.

[00:53:29]And before I go any further, just want to acknowledge a few firstly before we commen the program.

[00:53:39]We have with us Mr. Peter, executive director of the Jamaica.

[00:55:45]through our power our leaders should coming from children now from above 2 3 4 the moderator for this Then another moment of rural economic empowerment program and mining and heart.

[00:57:42]It is designed to serve through training, mentorship and various support. This year the program wased to include the national agreed fish competition where an exceptional youth agility to $1 million of the minister of agriculture fish and the minister of a to support the expansion of their business and this could not be possible without the invaluable support of our leadership team and someone else as I now invite Mr. reading on the Jamaica for our executive director.

[00:59:06]You heard it, right?

[00:59:10]Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

[00:59:21]that weed graduated.

[00:59:49]Our college So I I know I have to attend because I was invited by the minister but the minister will have to wait because this is very important for us. Um as you know the national agri business competition as you know the nationaliz and I just want to and recogn everybody hear me?

[01:01:18]So I would just want to recognize the work of the Jamaica 4 and the city who have worked to ensure that this event is possible. A lot of work has been the organization who the participants to ensure that the parish competition culminates into region and in the region into final. I just want to say that last year we had a exciting event um last year where we had two first places and we have to beg an additional million dollar to support. We hope that this year it won't be we will have one person emerge as the winner and then you have second and third.

[01:02:21]I am sure that the presentations will be as good as last year and more so even better because last year was more like a big um event where would have learned and this year whatever would have been learned last year would have sorry whatever um mishap would have had last year. for this year better. Um, unfortunately, this year, but nonetheless, we have person, we have the team and of course the package. I want to wish and I want to ensure that you put into your presentation so that you can make a delivery. I reiterated earlier that has been in the Jamaica club and more and we don't want this program to be very excit fun and of course at the end business ide.

[01:04:23]So I want to thank all of you. I want to thank the team members that they stand up in a manner that is simple and you know and into process so that it's going to be very very much exciting. And to that end I want to thank everyone for coming out at some point. Unfortunately unfortunately I will have to leave. I hope I can I know that is being on YouTube. So while I as much as I can in you know for and always end.

[01:05:44]All right, ladies and gentlemen of the rural youth economic program.

[01:06:08]I personally would like to extend our heart to the heart of Atma, manager on behalf One, two, three.

[01:07:18]has been marriage not anymore but that's our marriage and we are so engagement we are this year more than Ever this program has made in the last 20 years forward and ready for the last year.

[01:08:08]I know this year will not excellent team of the crop. So allow us not necessarily surprisation.

[01:08:53]I know I'm using I know but this year I know we are absolutely blown away this afternoon and I wish you all your Okay.

[01:09:42]on behalf of the heart for your commitment and support of a brief program. Give her another round of applause.

[01:09:56]All right. So, at this time, we're going to move to the next line item. We're going to be overcoming sir and he is our manager for at the train.

[01:10:18]Mr. All the morning everybody, families, partners, family and most importantly our young entrepreneurs as we like to call them a product of the real business was considerable. as 38 in that rainy of the forestation that will increase their access and stimulate innovation. The fifth is our component of the regular program.

[01:11:57]The regular program aims to train you across seven different but as usual.

[01:12:19]And another young farmer.

[01:12:33]We know the impact has on our main.

[01:12:47]knew that this had to do despite all the despite all the damage that was happening across the refuge and we talk Father about reasonable business over the last years we have tremendous grow from training sessions and enter this year as well. The judges Again, a lot of people have been session that we definitely could not only a few weeks ago.

[01:15:08]edited the way that he will serve them for a lifetime They prove that they can build that not only themselves but also all contribute to that.

[01:15:57]I wish you the best of luck today.

[01:16:15]the event and even the next generation of business innovation and their business.

[01:16:26]Thank you.

[01:16:32]Thank you so much.

[01:16:35]Big round of applause.

[01:16:44]All right. So completed um program and school and they are hold and allow them to that time.

[01:17:10]But now teaching and Mr. President wisdom Um and we have also a bit of information from the foreign policy more and I'm very happy right then of given some um experience in the road.

[01:18:48]of agriculture development as well as analyration along with a master of data and business in together for And you know, as you all know, he is the manager of entrepreneur development national program of the rural youth economic program.

[01:19:46]and I'm from Jamaica and before Jamaica through administration.

[01:20:14]He was a man of supply chain management and management.

[01:20:25]We have the ra and implemented several programs of an and also also in general agriculture and four He's here and he is a veterinarian for example also from group and of course livestock and of course in the air Ladies and gentlemen, please stand together for performance.

[01:22:29]All right.

[01:22:35]And so when the first Sorry.

[01:23:37]Sorry.

[01:23:44]Please.

[01:24:37]Give a big round of applause.

[01:24:53]into the computer. All right. So with that presentation and so first we have All right.

[01:26:22]Um yes someone participants here of the program last year.

[01:26:40]How much money was awarded last year?

[01:26:48]How much money was awarded last year?

[01:26:58]Yeah.

[01:27:04]Yeah.

[01:27:09]Wow.

[01:27:25]Come on now.

[01:27:29]It's about Oh, heat.

[01:28:36]up.

[01:28:50]They're not in Jamaica. I'm the first one.

[01:29:47]It's going to I don't believe the world.

[01:30:29]Father so we can flow We can't have that.

[01:31:01]So, we shall take Hallelujah.

[01:31:49]world.

[01:31:53]I promise you Yeah.

[01:32:53]Thank you for all.

[01:33:21]I appreciate you.

[01:33:51]my hand. So, You're fine.

[01:36:07]We have a sound.

[01:36:15]Okay.

[01:39:45]Ladies and gentlemen, in my eyes most also we're losing up to 30% of of the animal.

[01:40:19]We transform some of these vulnerable crops into shelf stable high potent wellness by blinding them and grinding them into a convenient. We provide whole harvest in for local farmers and we are also offering healthier alterity for customer.

[01:40:41]Now we know that um we have our current line offering ginger tumeric and also and also we are building customer trust and exact came from and who in fact we And we're also practicing while doing so because we can maximize our also sustainability.

[01:41:28]On that note, we're practicing more eco-friendly approaches that are composting all of our properties back on our farm. Additionally, we do some fun as well.

[01:41:39]important successful enough in natural compound that are found in the fingers that it tastes aroma and also medic and flavor of our ingredients proving the demand for products that are functionality growing market global market we are We are we have a 54% market and we're on We have here a nice aroma.

[01:43:23]Um therapy all the way back.

[01:44:01]I'm not here.

[01:44:23]Okay. I mean um I'm aware from my family.

[01:44:48]I have access to one of the future contract with farmers with the right method on my side also.

[01:45:22]from other valuate.

[01:45:47]So that um female customers know that this is not an expense but rather you know agriculture are very so my product validate.

[01:46:22]So I would say earlier about the I have started when I'm on my little They're always we want to transform our packages 100% strategies so that that's more um our customers can also use that into their own packaging for our customers as well.

[01:48:07]or what is of my next home and all that. So that would be my retail specifically in those stores like approach.

[01:49:33]way.

[01:49:39]>> All right. So, sorry. I was authorized for one of the main reasons why I was saying earlier Yes.

[01:50:26]over 15 most of the compounds that are found.

[01:50:36]So when they do that they take about 40 to 50% of the what do you call it Yeah, I was mentioning earlier as well.

[01:51:30]We're also to the Jamaica Jama. Also, we're using non where you're talking.

[01:52:11]where everything we're also going to have a food line like because what we want to do is we want to scale far Yes. Yeah.

[01:53:15]are creating.

[01:53:52]Thank you so much.

[01:54:08]All right. So So our first for $1 million.

[01:54:24]We are ready for our next and of course we representing on Good morning.

[01:55:47]One, two, Um, let me get Whatever you call over With this in mind, we aim to our food security and household.

[02:01:39]So we come with our product also hormone free and also free to introduce a first type of paradise even come up with a purpose.

[02:02:24]We also add local as well as 17 million.

[02:03:05]include our new in our house.

[02:03:50]I want to question.

[02:04:29]Are you using the same book? Because I know typically 48 trying to see exactly.

[02:04:44]Okay.

[02:05:02]Just walk through quickly management.

[02:05:08]If it is a different three weeks, it's fine. But how would you ensure that all the birds are getting required?

[02:05:18]>> Okay. So it's dairy management also social.

[02:05:43]Yeah.

[02:06:00]in the past five years on several conditions. one and burial in the last year which um which has which the for sector has suffered.

[02:06:24]Is there any strategy on your farm? want to sort of protect the industry and to be seen as a model where other farmers within your extension rest of for >> okay we have a different so even though we were without able to keep our bird we also have two 500 gallon farm so we were still able to provide care for them as well as our inventory.

[02:07:14]Um we move them indoors so that we're not washed away in the hurricane. So it's measures like that that we employ that even though we're still not still from Chicken us off chicken. Our farm as well experience. So far as well as um you know our harvest of course work so not just coming from point to restaurants.

[02:08:51]But the future of it, oh the future of it is the quarantine experience, you know, using the space as kind of like a holistic One final question.

[02:09:24]area market not farm.

[02:10:14]All those other $100 special come forward and set up for and we're asking to get ready. Some of you are getting ready and also first to get ready as well.

[02:10:53]So racial of God.

[02:13:54]according to the world of the approximately 2.9 million people over 235,000 adults are highended and approximately 1.5 million are monthly And this is not the cause of food but the cause of everybody. We are not lacking food. We are lacking access to healthy convenient and reliable food. Good afternoon everyone. My name is founder and sellers based in St. Thomas. I am building a system that reconnects Jamaical and convenient food. Consumers are becoming more intentional about what they eat. They are actively seeking healthier. So the demand exists and is the physical to capitalize on it.

[02:14:46]Integrated agricultural ecosystem redefining how consumer experience food, farming, wellness and community. We combine our integrated agricultural operations with strategic distribution to deliver fresh local convenience and processed products and and experiences.

[02:15:06]Unlike our competitors produ our strength is not just in the product but in our vertical integration model which reduces our cost and maintains our quality while our product differentiates us on the market. We serve and sponsor professional urban household and wellness cons.

[02:15:31]We collaborate with community based organizations to improve health of wellbe and nutrition education. Our mother direct sales and current plan. We present over 11 million dollars in annual revenue in year one of sales operation selling between 15 to 46 per day at 2,742 over five days per week. Sell is there for long-term impact. We aim to reduce Jamaica's reliance on over one US billion dollar in food imports. So our global environment and national food security.

[02:16:12]Our growth strategy is clear. Over the next three years, we will expand our customer capacity, secure retail and corporate partnership and scale island is therefore seeking $1 million in funding to scale our operations and increase our production capacity to meet our growing demand. This is not just an investment in it is an investment in the future of separate is leading this transformation.

[02:16:43]Thank you.

[02:17:19]So um currently we are conding transforming. So we have a mini version and we also have a 100 size version. So the combined prices together would be 2,700.

[02:17:56]Are you consuming um the retail market?

[02:18:14]So yes, anyone can go into supermarket and take or you can call but we are trying to make it um single serving. So you can um just purchase and question right here.

[02:18:42]>> Okay. So our 100% coconut water pairs well because instead of drinking um a carbonated bread or another flavor drink in your blood. Um we believe that the coconut water um is a letter of the considering health and So we can pray attractive offering to the natural like target younger target.

[02:20:10]Yes.

[02:20:15]Um I'm thinking correctly.

[02:20:24]Okay.

[02:20:36]Nutritious meals for for younger children. I am basing my um offering on that platform. So persons can see that she is offering offering. We are national depending on the government to help us propel into the future in delivering to the content. Yes, we we do have strategies to um let children their only provide. We also provide um specialized um kids with baby carrots and children and peanut butter. So we have our own um chocolate garnish that we they will enjoy the vegetables but Thank you so much.

[02:22:34]And I know all our next presenter uh Mr. to get ready followed by standby. So we'll see you in the following order. All right.

[02:23:20]Welcome to the National.

[02:23:42]So I stand to come forward and Storm area.

[02:25:04]already.

[02:26:19]This is beautiful.

[02:27:04]See, >> would New York My local speaker.

[02:28:46]What's up?

[02:29:19]They want to help you.

[02:29:27]Okay.

[02:29:42]Okay.

[02:30:33]We never department when Um I don't think I'm getting where you want.

[02:34:20]>> Okay. So I currently hear Yeah.

[02:35:13]Hopefully of course you didn't have so I What happened?

[02:36:39]It's only That's very generation.

[02:37:16]I want Because they don't have not have that as well.

[02:39:15]probably where you were when each.

[02:41:59]number.

[02:42:16]I believe everything.

[02:42:42]Thank you everyone.

[02:43:00]each other school of the four Yeah.

[02:44:20]Then we have number seven which is It's a great people.

[02:45:43]Are you ready?

[02:45:57]So heat.

[02:47:43]I'm ready.

[02:49:03]owner of my own farm for each year.

[02:49:17]Over here we have production is dairy production. Our focus is high quality and care and animal. Our mission is to focus on food by providing local.

[02:49:56]Our current our current operation we are currently currently we currently have 96 with our significant drop later this year.

[02:50:20]We expect them to expire by such as living infrastructure.

[02:50:40]We are here today to our current is here.

[02:51:20]product.

[02:51:30]This is solution. Our dev offering food service.

[02:51:57]over expected to make 1.9 million to 5.2 million over next five years in because there Yeah enough.

[02:53:14]I can very um options 4:30 something.

[02:54:13]You don't have money.

[02:54:31]about there.

[02:54:54]Very well.

[02:55:01]versus My father one more.

[02:56:01]Facebook Follow.

[02:56:46]>> Yeah, that is exactly what we are doing now.

[02:56:50]whether these products are new. So I already sit there something.

[02:58:05]One more thing and also Christy that you will use just to maintain a particular The army good present.

[02:58:52]um one.

[02:59:45]airport.

[02:59:47]So, Yes.

[03:00:19]this summer.

[03:00:25]Smart Island.

[03:00:56]very well.

[03:01:10]Farmer points from Basel and 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assist, four block from Victor Wyama. Game is tomorrow in San Antonio.

[03:02:11]Are you guys are about being under not be and their husband Cooper.

[03:02:55]Standby.

[03:03:33]possible.

[03:03:38]Speak your quiet. Listen.

[03:05:02]handing We have so many programming.

[03:05:52]Yeah.

[03:06:06]experience.

[03:06:15]So this scenario We are here for our We just experience true to the people.

[03:07:43]Okay.

[03:08:17]So for our program everyone of So they bring on your preventing environment.

[03:09:16]Okay.

[03:09:31]when we get that.

[03:09:37]>> Okay. So what we are planning on doing future will be working with to upgrade our also we are going to uh you know we've been talking about the ensues itself All right.

[03:10:24]But given that we have so many Okay.

[03:11:01]We're doing all the parishes. We're going to work together.

[03:11:18]What we do allow you to see your own Another thing is not anything.

[03:11:59]We will be having customer experience right now.

[03:12:08]They are very generic in where they are going to our story.

[03:12:28]I'm trying to keep moving towards people trying to tell them but actually the news is there but the problem is as I said the market is saturated with season and that is the reason why I also mentioned Yes.

[03:13:48]here.

[03:13:57]But we are not friends who are happy.

[03:14:03]We're giving them of our father.

[03:14:34]You have to have >> What are you doing?

[03:15:11]You had the packaging that you know other competitors have different sizes.

[03:15:16]We do also have What goes on?

[03:15:44]Where's the other one?

[03:16:44]Oh, couple minutes.

[03:17:12]Thank for your pres and our gender No, sorry.

[03:17:52]All right.

[03:18:02]13 right here for being aware of that. Thank you.

[03:18:23]Wow.

[03:18:47]Okay.

[03:20:20]of people.

[03:20:34]But what if there was a dream that was refreshing and that is where Gooding ingredient.

[03:21:11]Black originality to provide alternative combin great experience.

[03:21:31]What makes our unique is that it's not the emotional person.

[03:21:43]We want we want people to feel proud of they choose.

[03:21:53]My vision for is to grow from a local brand into remember That makes them as strong as positive because every equipment and expanding market and increase distribution so we can grow is more than just a dream.

[03:23:14]and consume for every Yeah, I am like mineral harvest ready.

[03:24:24]So when I'm ready to make What is it?

[03:24:37]>> What is Sorry.

[03:25:35]So I have to help local.

[03:27:24]Okay.

[03:27:28]Go ahead.

[03:27:42]$1 million.

[03:27:45]All right. So, moving on.

[03:27:51]We have food.

[03:27:57]All right.

[03:28:32]$10.

[03:29:06]We have and um lots of different mixtures that um you know we have you know You're awesome.

[03:32:11]foreign.

[03:32:33]How many operate on this brand of you full of things or even small businesses.

[03:33:20]They're not just they're not $2,000.

[03:33:46]That number It's not as support the Amazing.

[03:35:03]There's building a future where honey can be.

[03:35:34]Thank you.

[03:35:53]But they also have this It's not We don't have about where we go. What we want This is What we're doing is so All right.

[03:40:24]together.

[03:40:37]Thanks.

[03:41:13]What we try to Come on. Come on.

[03:42:06]What do you Wow.

[03:43:20]It's 100%.

[03:45:13]Okay. So I promise here.

[03:45:45]So anyway, even though All right.

[03:46:09]Sorry.

[03:46:29]I hope right I don't remember.

[03:48:11]certainly don't know.

[03:48:34]On the other hand, Prophet. child.

[03:48:45]We have our in our lower enure that we are We also learn and the business neighboring help us to acquire at an average of 1800 we grow and because our model run this contin of over $2 million in year two We remove it. We use our year one network program by our platform.

[03:50:58]We for our 165 lower our cost and our year.

[03:51:14]We are we might 55 was sure that he was So many days this We have time.

[03:53:29]Oh, very up on the before we have local All right.

[03:54:45]Going into worship.

[03:54:54]You were able to program what you have in your heart.

[03:55:17]There's our very grand It's not about so much Mr. Wilson.

[03:56:42]I don't for now and okay we have we before we move into so I do.

[03:58:30]God's Oh yeah.

[04:28:42]Whatever.

[05:00:28]Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. How are you?

[05:00:54]10 minutes and we have remaining.

[05:01:06]So I am really um Yes.

[05:01:26]Want to teach here Mr. Embry America.

[05:01:49]Yes.

[05:01:55]All right.

[05:02:08]the future of agriculture.

[05:02:12]We have already welcome.

[05:02:42]Ruth who will represent Yeah.

[05:03:15]So different from our online platform. Brother Good. My name is a culture farmer and I'm here today to tell you why as we know has been around for ages you name it. I myself am blessed with some of knowledge and understanding in this aspect of farming my own visit to farmers in and out of my community my business and of course I got train from the program with I'm able to create a lucrative business I was able to between that 90 to 100,000 weekly revenue.

[05:04:49]We know I'll be able to do so much more.

[05:04:53]I want to implement pre-season pry or get pre same day or next day delivery of you is premium and memorable customized for mother living question. How many times have you had to leave your home spending long night searching for that as fresh as you want? Well, this is the problem that is solving. My is dedicated to produce farm fresh.

[05:05:35]I'm not just selling.

[05:05:37]I'm selling value for money from convenience comfort and winning push my business to full potential. I expand capacity of equipment and move forward in providing I am asking you to invest in a moveable Jamaican business, a stronger agricultural theater and a brand of trust, convenience, quality and sustainability is not just an idea. It is a growing building with real demand, real vision and real But if you're in the I can take my order on my items delivered to me in the comfort of my home.

[05:07:45]in the future um deliver transportation where yes extra delivery but you still be costefficient I don't have to spend a huge amount of money for delivery.

[05:08:30]I'm working on my location because of where my um and you know in and we'll figure Sorry.

[05:09:30]in terms of you to satisfy targeted for single parent household and people include ready to cook and it's convenient of So, okay. Me together.

[05:10:44]Whenever I recipro as people already because farming is very far from somebody keeping it.

[05:12:09]Please give a round of applause.

[05:12:14]Thank you for your presentation.

[05:12:24]Wow.

[05:12:46]from our When anyone asks me where I can come from?

[05:13:16]>> Yeah.

[05:13:32]up there.

[05:14:51]Perfect.

[05:15:08]Thank you.

[05:15:20]Put on it.

[05:16:11]Hello.

[05:16:50]Don't know if you are aware of the reason but a million dollar in my community of moles forever.

[05:17:10]between and labor issues. The farmers are facing tremendous challenges but through super locally and internationally.

[05:17:26]You will quickly see that processed food is the largest food is estimated to reach by those many versions. with warm we are reining interest in farming% marketing and highlight which moment for the low market value because these men have master industry. We have no irrigation. So finally we have our statement but significant losses because under you investors put them to the community while million. Please I ask you please call But um back after a with coconut oil and rosemary.

[05:20:22]Um >> yeah. So it has for people we have a lot of income. We also have our M or Spongeb. But ever powder.

[05:20:58]Put it on your end. Put it on your pedirect.

[05:21:22]Um >> yes um that's the packaging that I want to go with something similar to what coffee has um where the label will be printed on demand or coffee and it will come in like a spring roll.

[05:21:41]We want to push these in like supermarket, gas station and we want to do aggressive marketing because we want to target but this we want to target it directly towards the youth because they're the ones with the disposable income. They're the ones going out to the parties, you know, they're the ones in the urbanized period. So whenever they are having their even for single single parents or just families instead of having your child and mommy don't know the food you know you cook it regular and then you just take the from your mother on your own page so that you can indulge. But in your own desire with you for that program.

[05:23:09]>> Most definitely for because you can realize most of the products that we offer.

[05:23:17]It's very diverse. So our audience is a very diverse audience. We have the diaspora and we have people in high society that want Jamaican or people taking it abroad what you want.

[05:23:42]You don't have to worry about my father.

[05:24:12]Oh, sure.

[05:24:15]I'm going to win this million dollar already.

[05:24:34]So, I'll be using the sunlight, but you know, in the event of rainfall and able to use a gas pan because it has a gas pan in there. Currently, my dryer gives me limited drive capabilities.

[05:24:51]I'm only able to dry only peppers in my electric that will allow me to dry one pound of peppers in just one dry. So I really All right.

[05:25:50]about 600.

[05:25:59]So thank you for that.

[05:26:14]All right.

[05:26:46]But I have Afternoon this morning.

[05:29:19]So I'm asking if you could put the other two and hello my name is and I'm from business but alth is a painful.

[05:29:55]But as in we have come up with that reduce and improve our children is you always and from the animals go toward motive and for me eggs alongside I think are in need of reliable and from local local farmers. So we come and we the customers also forget and we have like super for I am $400,000.3 million.

[05:32:16]Thank you.

[05:32:33]like everything.

[05:32:41]Yeah.

[05:32:46]is you can look on everything that is in the Yeah.

[05:33:06]No.

[05:33:25]The last time people aren't How do I know?

[05:34:05]So it depends on your box.

[05:34:45]understanding away from your industry. today going next month.

[05:35:02]>> Yes, sir.

[05:35:18]The only substation before invest means I just so we realize I personally All right. So our judging and um remember foration for ladies and gentlemen from our participants who are $1 million and um wish them all the best for all and I wish more a million dollar because we have we have some really good presentation really good presentation and um I'm not sure who will be making it into the top five or top I think first and third in terms of I'm not sure but first second and third will be issued the time is on our judges who are in um area for your insight and your message.

[05:39:10]Um, I just want to let you know also that now after the representation, I have a very important board meeting.

[05:39:27]But the story is full of moderators individuals and of course not very different that we have to I have to get back to ground.

[05:40:00]So, thank you so much at this time.

[05:40:06]Go right into the presentation from our keynote speaker.

[05:40:14]Ladies and gentlemen, put your hand together and let me welcome an expert. He is the executive director of the school of agriculture.

[05:40:27]a good friend of mine and agriculturalist, an old farmer, a project specialist.

[05:40:34]I didn't even look at the profile.

[05:40:38]But I can tell you something over millions of dollars worth of projects from extremely passionate about youth growth and development and school.

[05:41:00]Yes.

[05:41:14]Um that is let me express my gratitude for the opportunity to be here today and then went out into the rain and got all but very happy to be here said old when I saw the young people who are presenting just now I thought to myself there are so many things that make you excited about being other young people who is amazing.

[05:42:05]I don't know if I'm old yet, but I want to hold on to what I have for the time that I have. It is great to be here. Um, we quite often what is happening with our young people, what is happening in the hear about like it is amazing here on TV. Many years ago we were at the video we started the village academy the minister of agriculture came by for boot but he came by we didn't have the amazing booth reference of the traditional fruit and multiplicity of colors but we asked about our students there and they were standing on the desk with very few things on our table and the minister said, "So, what do you people produce?"

[05:42:59]Not seeing anything that impresses him.

[05:43:01]So, he's looking closely. There are some eggs in some He said, "What what what what do you produce?" I said, "Well, minister, we produce people."

[05:43:15]I said, "Yes, we produce.

[05:43:20]We take young people who need a second chance, who need to transition from a space of desperation and frustration and give them an opportunity to pivot in their transition to the real place of life and work successfully and that is what we have done for the last 10 years. It has been an interesting journey. Um when I listen to the young people or the person doing their pitch, I thought of the many times I would have had to have done a pitch myself, some of them successfully, some of them left me quite annoyed. I could have done but um again today I'm energized by what I see. We did a pitch back in the the 2015 2016 years and did a pitch to our British counterpart in the UK.

[05:44:19]Had to ask them to help us by describing something that they never could understand of what we call social agriculture. Some people couldn't make the contact.

[05:44:36]>> We did a good pitch and we came away with over 300,000 bound invested in people.

[05:44:44]People who have become correctional officers, people have become police and people who have become nurses while they still ad.

[05:44:57]And I say to the folks a very important question I want to ask.

[05:45:02]What is it that you do in your community that you plan to win? How would you advise to space from which you come?

[05:45:11]Because unfortunately the medications have a perspective that says give me give me give me what you have in mind as I can get it. But it's a kind of investment that comes when we give back.

[05:45:26]When we invest in other people, it multiplies back to us. So I would only encourage those who are thinking about winning the million or more think about as a line item how we will invest in other people because it is important.

[05:45:44]You know, I want to I want to share a few thoughts with us.

[05:45:54]I am consumed with the idea that there is immense value in agriculture.

[05:46:02]From whatever perspective we analyze the business of agriculture in Jamaica is the foundation of our nation. Of course, you describe it from your perspective.

[05:46:22]So agriculture underpins who we are. Significant social, economic and political milestones of the country cannot be understood without the right perspective of what agriculture has done, is doing and will continue to do for the fabric of who we say we are.

[05:46:40]So all of who want to participate in the economy must understand and apply that understanding to how we exercise ourselves around the economy ecosystem of what agriculture is. The fact that agriculture is a significant contributor to the country's dignity describes it impact upon the quality of life production, employment, import and export markets, health and community development. All of these are interconnected with what we say ante is in this country that is a market let's say of $2.3 billion when zero $2.3 billion the agriculture is is is is in fact that 10% above of GDP there is plenty room for engagement loss of space or engagement. The question we could ask is why so many of our farmers are living at the level of sisters and not all of our children when we have the capacity that we do in agriculture.

[05:48:08]Well, I understand that imported food into this country, $1.6 billion, 70 or so% of food trade. 40% of what we consume comes out of the US. 60% of that goes into the hotel industry. There is room for engagement.

[05:48:27]There are possibilities that are just standing waiting at the door.

[05:48:32]So the culture that describes our only friends you know the original peoples of Jamaica were hunter gatherers they are often and so those who came after thought to develop trade through bering and exchange agriculture one of the pillars of the slave trade for the laborers for the plantation agriculture the colonial experience described the output of agriculture of production in the interest of the mother country. The postc colonial experience describes inequity of production. Agriculture agriculture aging society. Jamaica is no different. Who feeds you manages your health, your wealth and your quality of life. who feeds you is in control of them run your yard.

[05:49:33]How you interpret and respond to that environment in the business of agriculture or agri business.

[05:49:41]I know you have already had a wonderful meal.

[05:49:46]You know, some people say only Jamaica can come and sit down to a great meal and eat something on the places that are amazing. Thank you. We appreciate the value of what food does to the human body after that deliberate time of interaction.

[05:50:08]We don't want to take off. So I'm going to share this agricultural experience and I want to use something that will hopefully just leave something in your mind know 80% of what I say will be push and hopefully it's 10%.

[05:50:23]So I want to use a a kind of structure to leave a thought with us and hopefully it will challenge respect.

[05:50:34]It's a very popular story in the Bible.

[05:50:38]Um most times when it is quoted it is quoted in the negative we hear about the prodigal son that we yes often when we hear that it's a it's a terrible thing that young man was an entrepreneur was a Jamaican entrepreneur response to what is demanded of us of you having decided to venture into the of the story of course up in a place in there's a fairly wealthy man.

[05:51:20]Yeah.

[05:51:27]Nor can I wait for my older brother to come in his his inheritance and then tell me what I must get out of what is left. Jamaican so we see dead serious problem so he can't and so his father decide look you know the old father have mother have big brother have bless the young son who get so he decides he want so I won't say it was right or wrong however we can say that we can learn from the experience that would elude illuminate the part that we're on today. First and foremost, when you talk with a plan when you come to the table, come with a plan. 15 years ago, I threw up a plan, wrote a business plan, set out to execute that plan. 10 years before that, I had set up a on road and expanded business into road deciding that I just want the world.

[05:52:32]had a plan read it on the old IBM computer but it was written what I must come with a plan all of you who are the million or not wake up in the morning of your bed and say what work you must be able to ridiculously what is in that blood because it is indelibly written in your heart in your spirit or else plan.

[05:53:11]So he said his mind everybody start business never start business everybody want do it everybody into the situation without a plan you must have a plan and so I want to encourage us along that line you will let it go if you have a prayer if there's anything that you pray about If when you pray, somebody says, "If it's one thing that you must ask God for, ask him for an idea.

[05:53:49]God, give me an idea. An idea that you're willing to lace and open it.

[05:54:02]If you get it from somebody else, you might abandon it. If it's your mother, grandfather, cousin, friend, you might have fun. But if it is your idea, you are in the right place. The business plan is the blueprint.

[05:54:17]It's a living document. Write it.

[05:54:21]Don't don't mistake. Write it out.

[05:54:24]written it out. Make sure that it is so alive that it is you can paint a menize but you must make sure no. Yes. When the COVID pandmic came, just before COVID, I made a pity to a government agent.

[05:54:55]Just before six years, six years and three years later when I think a phone call, we have considered going to 60 million.

[05:55:16]They are going to implement more years of waitment and I get aggravated sometimes and I'm telling you that when you have the business plan you have to have written to it without anybody seeing it so Take care.

[05:55:51]Might you might move on.

[05:55:56]Have the tendency of patience because it is your ide.

[05:56:10]So it has to be that living document and I saying to you it's an iteration of ongoing research internal external indicators of output that have been intentionally deterior.

[05:56:29]Do the research ski.

[05:56:36]Don't go around the corner too fast.

[05:56:38]Take the time because something will come back to bite you later on if you did not put in the work.

[05:56:47]Not only affecting you, it will affect other people, your family, your neighbors, your quality of life. do the research.

[05:56:59]He didn't do any research start research exposes options and if you can't do it yourself, find somebody to help you. The worst thing to look is saying you can do it alone. I hear the ad say if if you if you want fast go by yourself on the ground but if you want to go far find people to go with make sure the need of the people around you include those who are brighter than you. If you start with cooking in the pot, leave the pot.

[05:57:48]If you're the present person among people who are your people around you who have been here and done that around you with scars run through the fence and climb the hill and cut through the valley and there I talk to when I talk to him calling to get what is being said to consultation but Jama because you want everything free. Brother, tell me how this work and you know that business you don't want but you want your business to grow. You want to expand and scale but you do not for it can pick up the phone and call me any business. No, we learned that when you get into your business and people start callated.

[05:59:09]Hello.

[05:59:10]So, a proper market research is important.

[05:59:14]I don't know how this right and the young man went out didn't do the research at all. Never put in no work.

[05:59:25]Didn't put in the effort.

[05:59:28]Never stop to understand that there are benefit to be done and understand.

[05:59:38]You have to work through the pros and cons of what you're thinking.

[05:59:42]The market will change. The risk will vary.

[05:59:48]Situations not will look the same all the time. So the cost benefit between friends is different from a cost benefit analogy between partners. Everybody say everything.

[06:00:07]That is the friend of benefit.

[06:00:11]The say what is the ROI.

[06:00:15]The say what is the interest rate?

[06:00:19]the pastor said what everything look like after 5 years because those are important questions.

[06:00:30]And so the difference between those two is responsibility and accountability.

[06:00:39]The difference between your friends telling you and your pastor telling you responsibility and accountability important.

[06:00:49]I suggest that if you're ping for a million, it is important to check out the four Ps and stud them well.

[06:00:58]What the four Ps mean and look in the market place around.

[06:01:04]Okay, there are stakeholders that you have business partners, associates, interests, have influence prosperity don't necessarily mean power, but stay close to people who have influence and who have been there and done that. Personal and professional philosophy matters, values matter in your business that you want. Finally, I said this to you. young man said I'm going back to my father after the things don't burn your bridges do not burn out on which the support system around you is not one with the people you want to go back to have a bit of but attract to yourself those person who can always add value.

[06:02:04]Can I tell you somebody million and it will add value? We look forward to hearing your testimony of what it will do for the people in the community.

[06:02:35]I would say thank you for those in words for always.

[06:02:41]However, we need to say thank you. So I call now on Dora to do that. May welcome Dora.

[06:03:15]important.

[06:03:52]about which will be presented or any midn.

[06:04:17]May we welcome our head judge Ky M.

[06:05:01]Okay.

[06:05:05]that we first commend you We have many here in terms of what it that he has a presentation and I'm happy.

[06:06:27]So I think you know you have you know recip.

[06:07:02]you know, more like room.

[06:08:01]somebody.

[06:08:24]as well.

[06:08:33]opportunity and thank you so much in terms of time because given you different way in the area of your business.

[06:09:10]Today, there can be no doubt about the caliber and the brilliance of our young.

[06:09:21]You have all performed exceptionally well and I believe for everyone when I say invest in our youth. It is a worthwhile and meaningful.

[06:09:36]Each presentation today reminded us of the incredible potential what exist right here Jamaica.

[06:09:47]We are inspired and hopeful for the future.

[06:09:51]We will now proceed with a presentation of award and certificate for participants from today's final competition all my schoolmate program director something.

[06:10:11]So join me here on stage of course.

[06:10:21]Get ready.

[06:10:59]We are Then we have Marine and starting and Um, Christina J.

[06:12:43]and store.

[06:13:08]Hallelujah.

[06:13:24]I know the Lord.

[06:13:56]Ladies and gentlemen, for our 13 on any path of evaluating such high quality standing to ensure a successful and home. Thank you for your valuable beginning.

[06:15:46]Yes, sir.

[06:16:03]on.

[06:16:43]Hey, one and safety.

[06:17:38]Oh, thank you for All right.

[06:19:14]quickly invite all Yeah.

[06:20:06]Yeah. Sorry.

[06:20:14]always.

[06:20:44]You're fine.

[06:21:28]Welcome. Ready?

[06:21:55]If I check out this side will announced participants to join me on this. No particular Yeah.

[06:23:04]Are we done?

[06:23:44]So particular order and then remaining.

[06:24:14]Everyone is already the top five.

[06:24:22]What do you think?

[06:24:48]for national invite all our winners on this validated platform and we're going to announce and for them to collect their hand upon the top there in 586 reveal the business on fire. We have no other miss Don't understand.

[06:26:50]probably um stream.

[06:27:17]Yeah.

[06:27:28]over.

[06:28:02]Okay.

[06:28:54]Hallelujah.

[06:29:42]Are you going to Yeah.

[06:34:11]Our All right.

[06:34:46]story from the here and we are here with Everybody was awesome.

[06:35:26]Awesome.

[06:35:38]I say this time alone.

[06:36:36]I'm just Good evening everyone.

[06:37:01]program. Thank you for the weekend.

[06:37:08]You didn't just create a you created a driving.

[06:37:14]We must begin by honoring the program that so many of us long so many of us from the bottom of our hearts.

[06:37:56]Thank you for understanding.

[06:38:00]Thank you for understanding that your work in over the Philadelphia paperwork Thank you for the posterity and sharing of course and committee of development of Jamaica.

[06:38:56]Thank you.

[06:39:10]Road to walk on. Thank you for that.

[06:39:16]the room community has raised the bar for all of us to Mr. Williams.

[06:39:52]None of it would work.

[06:39:55]Your underground service of this. Thank you so much.

[06:40:07]And in Henry of the Academy School, thank you for everyone.

[06:40:33]I feel you.

[06:40:37]truly proud of us. We came and ready today.

[06:40:58]It belongs to every lead and something better.

[06:41:05]It is proved that sustainable agriculture is not the only word worth.

[06:41:25]Thank you. Have a great day.

[06:41:38]has been aimed in our participants have demonstrated that we rise of course and the future of Jamaica and we encourage all of the world to continue pushing boundaries embracing opportunities making lasting impact.

[06:42:11]On behalf of art and ministry of fish is we thank you for being a part of the 202 national business conceptive event.

[06:42:30]Thank you.