“Fifty years of breeding excellence — delivering resilient, high-yielding cane varieties for Jamaica’s future.”
For over 50 years, the Variety Development Department has been at the forefront of sugarcane breeding and selection in Jamaica, shaping the very foundation of the country’s sugar industry. The Department has produced more than 50 commercial cane varieties, 23 of which are actively cultivated today. These varieties are not just the raw material for table sugar but are also essential in the production of rum, ethanol, electricity, and numerous industrial products.
The Department’s vision is to be the premier provider of sugarcane varieties for the Jamaica Sugar Industry, consistently ensuring that growers and manufacturers have access to high-quality raw material. Its mission is to drive a sustainable, value-added industry by unlocking the full potential of the sugarcane plant through advanced breeding and selection.
Programs & Services
Programs
- Field Testing
- Variety Selection
- Disease Screening
Services
- The Variety Development Department continues to develop high quality, high-yielding, disease resistant varieties from true seeds for the sugarcane industry.
- Testing varieties developed in other countries to see how well they will perform in the local conditions.
- Varieties are tested island-wide for adaptation to local soils and climatic conditions.
Key Achievements
Over the years, the Department has delivered remarkable outcomes. Three new varieties were released in 2025, continuing a tradition of innovation that has made a measurable impact on the industry. The iconic variety BJ7015, for example, generated over J$24 billion for growers during its period of use. Despite challenges such as fluctuating sugar prices, climate change, and rising input costs, the Department continues to provide stability and growth for the industry.
Its work benefits not only growers and manufacturers but also communities across Jamaica that depend on sugar for livelihoods and economic security. Through field demonstrations, stakeholder meetings, and technical bulletins, the Department shares its findings widely. Its commitment to excellence ensures that Jamaican sugarcane varieties remain competitive, resilient, and central to the nation’s socio-economic fabric.