Farmers and processors in Jamaica are raising concerns about data ownership, exposure of trade secrets, and costs linked to the phased introduction of JamSave, a blockchain traceability platform launched by the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA). The platform aims to protect Jamaica’s access to major export markets by digitising agricultural exports, including coffee, cocoa, ginger, pimento, turmeric, nutmeg, and coconut. However, some stakeholders fear that their sensitive data could be accessed by private firms, as JamSave is implemented by Verified & True, owned by the private company Agrodise Limited. Jason Sharp, a director at the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association (JCEA), stated that no stakeholders support the initiative. Dr. Norman Grant, the current JCEA head and a recent doctorate graduate on Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, plans to formally address the issue. Similarly, Clayton Williams, president of the Jamaica Cocoa Growers Association, noted that the cocoa sector and chocolate makers have unanimously rejected the blockchain requirement. JACRA plans to progressively roll out JamSave from this year through early 2026 to comply with upcoming European Union regulations designed to prevent imports from deforested areas—a standard expected to expand globally. The system will enable buyers, especially in the EU, to verify product origins via QR codes detailing farm location, producer identity, and production data. Acting Director General Wayne Hunter believes the platform will help resolve industry challenges. The cost is set for coffee at roughly US$3 per 70 kilograms, though fees for cocoa are still being finalized, with assurances they won’t overly burden producers. Despite official reassurances, farmers and processors remain wary. Nic Davis, cofounder of OneOne Cacao, expressed unease about Agrodise’s access to detailed farm data, fearing exposure of proprietary information and an unnecessary additional layer of oversight.

The Cocoa Farmers Association has formally submitted detailed technical concerns to both the Minister of Agriculture and JACRA. JACRA’s legal head, Scheree Miller, confirmed the regulator has responded thoroughly to stakeholder issues. JACRA maintains that the JamSave platform is critical for compliance with international deforestation rules, which will help position Jamaica’s premium crops, like Blue Mountain coffee and high-grade cocoa, for expanded global markets. Agrodise co-founder Pia Bramwell stressed that the initiative is proactive and aligns with global trends toward traceability to maintain market access. Bramwell, along with her brother Courtney Bramwell, who runs Sherwood Coffee estate, brought tech expertise to the project, working with Agrodise director Christopher Reckford. She emphasized JamSave’s role in combating counterfeit coffee—a problem estimated to cost the industry over US$380 million annually, far exceeding official export revenues (Jamaica exported about US$47. 8 million worth of coffee from 2023 to 2024, with UN data citing US$26 million in 2024). Concerns also include the potential for international buyers to bypass local middlemen and source directly from farmers, though JACRA clarified that only licensed dealers may export. Regarding data transparency, JACRA pointed out that processors already access sector reports monthly. With global markets enforcing stricter traceability, Hunter questioned whether Jamaica should remain passive, highlighting the risk to national export credibility, especially as countries like China adopt their own verification systems. Bramwell underscored that Jamaica must adapt to global standards to sustain its market position. The coffee sector faces additional challenges such as aging trees, labor shortages, climate stress, infrastructure issues, and farm theft. Current farm yields average 40 boxes per acre, half of JACRA’s target of 80 boxes. To boost production, JACRA offers farmers higher-yielding coffee plants free of charge, aiming to increase forest cover and supply more coffee beans to international buyers.