Development Bank of Jamaica

Jamaica Hydroponics Limited, a farm located in Newberry, Manchester, was incorporated in 2000 by its principal, Richard Khouri, for the purpose of growing vegetables in a controlled environment.

The company is the first to successfully commercialise hydroponics farming in Jamaica, growing lettuce and other vegetables which it supplies to hotels and other facilities in the tourism sector. Currently, the two-acre farm comprises two greenhouses in production, a cold room and a packing house, among other facilities.

The J$80-million operation has experienced challenges for several years, mainly due to the effects of hurricanes and water quality.

DBJ has provided funding for the constant upgrading of the project since 2002.