The Jamaica Central Labour Organisation (JCLO) has expanded its presence across the United States, participating in major agricultural conferences and employer forums. The outreach strengthens relationships with growers while introducing new employers to Jamaica’s H-2A labour pool and reinforcing the reputation of Jamaican workers as disciplined, reliable, and prepared for modern agricultural operations.

As demand for dependable agricultural labour grows across the United States, the Jamaica Central Labour Organisation (JCLO) has intensified its outreach within key agricultural networks. Officials have been attending major industry conferences, labour forums, and trade shows across several states.

Liaison Officer Kareeme Morrison, who has participated in a number of these engagements, said meeting employers directly continues to open new opportunities for the programme.

“Traveling across the country and meeting growers face to face reminds you how important this outreach is,” Karlene Brown said. “Many employers are still discovering the pool of reliable English speaking workers available through Jamaica, and once they understand the system, they want to learn more.”

JCLO representatives have participated in gatherings such as the Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim, the Great Lakes Expo in Grand Rapids, and the National Council of Agricultural Employers Labour Forum in Las Vegas.

Additional engagements have included the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show in Baltimore, the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, and the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.

These events bring together growers, labour contractors, and agricultural associations responsible for shaping labour decisions across the industry.

One of the most enduring partnerships exists in Vermont, where Jamaican workers have supported vegetable and berry farms for more than five decades.

Today, 61 employers in Vermont rely on approximately 402 Jamaican workers, forming one of the most stable labour partnerships within the programme.

The Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association Annual Meeting in Burlington continues to serve as a key forum for maintaining those relationships.

Permanent Secretary Colette Roberts Risden said the outreach reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen Jamaica’s position within the agricultural labour market.

“Our presence at these events is strategic,” she said. “The Jamaican worker has built a strong brand over decades, and growers recognise the reliability and professionalism our workers bring.”

She added that expanding engagement with employers aligns with the Government’s directive to grow the programme responsibly.

“My Minister has given clear direction that we must increase participation while safeguarding standards and strengthening employer partnerships.”

By meeting growers where decisions are made, the JCLO continues to reinforce Jamaica’s reputation as one of the most trusted sources of agricultural labour in the H-2A programme.