Jamaican Coffee Farmer Awarded By IICA Calls For Urgent Reforms – CoffeeTalk

Jamaican coffee farmer Dorienne Rowan Campbell, recently recognized as one of the ‘Leaders of Rurality of the Americas’ by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), is focusing on advancing calls for urgent reforms in the local coffee industry. She expressed gratitude for the award but also expressed concern about how to translate it into tangible support and overall development of the local sector.

The award is part of IICA’s ongoing effort to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to rural communities across the Americas, especially in areas related to food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Rowan Campbell is now exploring ways to collaborate with agricultural leaders across the region, aiming to share ideas and pool resources to develop projects centred on sustainability.

As a strong advocate for organic farming, she has long pushed for a reduction in chemical use and the adoption of more environmentally-friendly practices. She currently serves as vice-president of the Jamaica Coffee Growers Association (JCGA) and leads a group of 15 women she refers to as “eco warriors”, training them in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Rowan Campbell expressed frustration with the pace of agricultural reform in Jamaica, particularly criticizing the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) for its “backward, industrial” approach to its development. She wants more small farmers becoming part of the value-added chain, not just being mere producers, though admitting that this will require a fundamental legal reform and a shift in how the country thinks about sustainable production.

As she awaits a response from IICA, Rowan Campbell remains hopeful that the award will serve as a catalyst for broader change in sustainable production. She has spent the last few decades dedicating her post-diplomatic life to sustainable farming, operating Rowan’s Royale Farm in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.

She expressed sincere gratitude for the IICA recognition, which has acted as a springboard for new opportunities, increased visibility in broader markets, and a source of inspiration for fellow farmers.

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