Local farmers, including coffee farmers, received valuable financial literacy training thanks to the VM Group’s collaboration with the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival. The VM Group extended its support to the farmers at the Farmers’ Trade Day on February 29 at the University of Technology with the delivery of a financial literacy presentation, giving insights into achieving financial wellbeing through pension planning, savings and investments.
The Farmers’ Trade Day, organised by the Tourism Linkages Network, is a one-day expo that specifically targets farmers, especially those in the coffee industry. This initiative was part of the activities leading up to the seventh annual Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival on March 2 at Newcastle Parade Grounds, a VM Group-sponsored event.
Conroy Rose, Group Chief Sales Officer at VM Group, who delivered the financial literacy presentation to the farmers, highlighted the company’s commitment to nation-building by empowering Jamaicans to attain financial wellbeing. He said, “At VM Group, we recognise the dedication of Jamaica’s farmers and are here to help ensure that they get the most out of their efforts. We have empowered numerous farmers in the past, and this year, we are expanding our focus on enhancing financial literacy for a wider group of Jamaicans.”
Rose emphasized that VM Group’s range of savings products, digital banking options, financial education initiatives, and support for agribusiness are instrumental in empowering farmers and contributing to food security and economic development, particularly in rural areas.
VM’s involvement in the Farmers’ Trade Day also aligns with the Group’s broader financial inclusion strategy, which aims to enhance financial access, responsible financing practices, and overall financial wellbeing for more Jamaicans.
Key stakeholders, including the Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, Floyd Green, attended this year’s Farmers’ Trade Day. They acknowledged the invaluable contributions of farmers to the coffee industry and expressed their commitment to promoting sustainable farming practices.
This initiative complements VM Group’s ongoing support of the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival through a sponsorship of $250,000 for the event. The festival which is a flagship event of the Ministry of Tourism, is designed to engage coffee farmers and local manufacturers, leveraging gastronomy to diversify Jamaica’s tourism offerings.
