Hi-Pro supports 4-H clubs with over $2 million in farm supplies

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Feb 11, 2026 10:41 AM | Agriculture
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A light moment shared as Ret’d Col Jaimie Ogilvie (left), vice president of Hi-Pro; Peter Thompson (centre), executive director of Jamaica 4-H Clubs, and Sherrae Wong-Black (right), farm store manager at Hi-Pro get hands-on with three of the 3,000 baby chicks soon to be cared for by Jamaica’s next generation of 4-H farmers.

4-H Clubs across the island will benefit from a $2.3 million donation of farm supplies from Hi-Pro, a division of the Jamaica Broilers Group, starting this February.

The symbolic handover took place at the Hi-Pro Ace Supercentre in White Marl last Friday, marking the start of a three-month initiative that will provide young farmers with essential agricultural inputs to support crop and livestock production. The donation is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to support the agricultural sector as it recovers from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The supplies include vegetable seeds such as cabbage, watermelon, cucumber, sweet pepper, lettuce, tomato and corn; crop protection chemicals and pest control products; fertilizers; livestock feed; and 3,000 baby chicks.

Colonel (Ret’d) Jaimie Ogilvie, vice president of Hi-Pro, highlighted the long-standing partnership between Hi-Pro and the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, as well as the importance of investing in youth agriculture.

“4-H Clubs are shaping the next generation of farmers and community leaders. After Hurricane Melissa, our youth in agriculture needed the support more than ever to get back up and running. Hi-Pro has had a long relationship with the 4-H clubs, so we understand the important role they play that not only transfers knowledge and skills to the young people but also integrates the older members of the community. So, it was only fitting for us to support them,” Ogilvie stated.

Ogilvie shared that the donation also underscores Hi-Pro’s long-term commitment to the local farming community. Approximately thirty percent of the country’s chicken meat comes from small farmers, many of whom started their agricultural journey in 4-H clubs.

“By investing in youth agriculture today, Hi-Pro is helping to develop the next generation of farmers who will strengthen Jamaica’s food and agriculture sector while promoting greater food independence in our communities,” Ogilvie added.