Jamaica took the global stage at the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show 2025, where the Jamaica Central Labour Organisation (JCLO) proudly represented the island’s longstanding reputation for reliable, skilled agricultural labour.

Held from October 17–19 in Anaheim, California, the three-day expo gathered over 20,000 professionals, 1,100 exhibitors, and a record number of global producers, buyers and retailers from more than 50 countries. The event has become the world’s leading marketplace for fresh produce, floral innovation, and sustainability solutions.

The Jamaican delegation, led by Permanent Secretary Colette Roberts Risden, joined industry leaders, growers, and distributors to strengthen partnerships under the U.S. H-2A programme and explore new opportunities for collaboration across the agricultural value chain.

“Our participation in this year’s show reaffirmed Jamaica’s reputation as a trusted and forward-thinking partner in the global agricultural workforce,” said Roberts Risden. “We were able to strengthen relationships with current employers and identify new partners interested in the Jamaican worker experience. What stood out most was the quality, and strong work ethic that continue to define our workers.”

A Global Platform for Innovation and Sustainability

The IFPA Show’s theme this year was “Fighting for Fresh”, capturing the industry’s push toward innovation and sustainability. IFPA CEO Cathy Burns announced two landmark initiatives during her annual State of the Industry Address: the debut of the Global Intelligence Engine, a real-time data tool for produce professionals, and the start of a Global Sustainability Framework for the fresh produce and floral sectors.

“Innovation is shaping the future of agriculture, and Jamaica must evolve with it,” said Sheldon Brown, Senior Liaison Officer. “From data analytics to sustainability frameworks, these conversations help us prepare our workers and systems for the next chapter of agricultural labour.”

International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show 2025

Showcasing Jamaica’s Modern Workforce

Visitors also learned about Jamaica’s pre-departure training programme, which emphasises safety, productivity, and professionalism — key factors behind the country’s strong reputation in the U.S. agricultural labour market.

 “Our interactions reaffirmed the respect Jamaica commands in this industry. These partnerships not only create opportunities for our people but also strengthen the foundation of ethical and well-managed migration programmes.” said Karlene Brown, Liaison Officer.

Charting the Future of Jamaican Labour on the World Stage

The 2025 show set records for attendance, featured innovative exhibits, and drew more international retailers than ever before. Beyond networking and exhibitions, the event fostered meaningful discussions on sustainability, trade, and technology — areas critical to the next phase of JCLO’s development.

For Jamaica, participation in the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show was more than a showcase — it was a statement of intent. JCLO’s engagement signalled that Jamaica is not only maintaining its global reputation for excellence but also investing in systems and partnerships that keep its workforce future-ready.

“The Global Show was more than an exhibition; it was a platform to connect, learn, and innovate,” said Roberts Risden. “As we continue to expand Jamaica’s presence in the global marketplace, we will ensure our systems, partnerships, and people remain second to none.”

With every handshake and conversation in Anaheim, JCLO reinforced the idea that Jamaica’s most valuable export continues to be its people — reliable, skilled, and ready to shape the future of global agriculture.