Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority Act, 2017 (No. 1 of 2017). Country/Territory Jamaica Document type Legislation Date 2017 Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to establish a body to be known as the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority for the development, regulation, promotion and standardization of the agricultural commodities industry; and for connected matters. Subject Agricultural & rural development, Food & nutrition Keyword Agricultural development Institution Internal trade International trade Authorization/permit Agricultural commodities Food quality control/food safety Coffee/cocoa/tea Condiments/herbs/spices Inspection Standards Classification/declassification Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings Offences/penalties Beverages Geographical area Americas, Caribbean, Latin America and the Caribbean, Small Island Developing States Abstract This Act establishes the Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority and defines its functions and powers. The functions of the Authority are, among other things, to- (a) promote interest, growth and efficiency in the development of the regulated agricultural commodities industry in Jamaica; (b) provide technical advice to the Minister and to persons engaged in the regulated agricultural commodities industry; (c) establish, prescribe and enforce standards of quality, handling, grading, export and import for regulated agricultural commodities; (d) specify the varieties of regulated agricultural commodities which may be cultivated or manufactured in Jamaica for export or for local trade or which may be imported into Jamaica; (e) allocate quotas of regulated agricultural commodities that may be exported or imported during any period by licensed exporters or authorized importers under this Act; (f) intervene in disputes pertaining to the regulated agricultural commodities industry and initiate and engage in arbitration, mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution to resolve such disputes. Every person who carries out or intends to carry out- ( a) manufacture, distribute, or process a regulated agricultural commodity or its substitute; (b) export or import a regulated agricultural commodity or its substitute; ( c) operate works related to a regulated agricultural commodity; (d) establish or operate a nursery for a regulated agricultural commodity; or ( e) operate as a dealer or a special coffee dealer, shall apply in the prescribed form and manner, to the Authority for the appropriate licence. Licences may be suspended or revoked by the Authority. The Act also provides with respect to appeals against decisions of the Authority, inspections, offences and regulation-making powers of the Minister. The list of Regulated Agricultural Commodities is set out in Schedule 1. Schedule 6 sets out health and food safety standards with which a licensee shall comply. Full text English Website laws.moj.gov.jm References - Legislation Amends Agricultural Produce Act. Legislation | Jamaica | 1926 (2005) Keyword: Agricultural development, Plant production, Registration, Coffee/cocoa/tea, Fruits/edible nuts, Data collection/reporting Source: FAO, FAOLEX Coconut Industry Control Act. Legislation | Jamaica | 1945 (2008) Keyword: Plant production, Crops/grasses, Fruits/edible nuts, Institution Source: FAO, FAOLEX Repeals Coconut Industry Aid Act. Legislation | Jamaica | 1932 (2004) Keyword: Oils/oilseeds/fats, International trade, Plant production, Oleaginous plants Source: FAO, FAOLEX Cocoa Industry Board Act. Legislation | Jamaica | 1957 (1993) Keyword: Plant production, Fruits/edible nuts, Agricultural development, Plant protection, Institution Source: FAO, FAOLEX Coffee Industry Regulation Act. Legislation | Jamaica | 1948 (1999) Keyword: Plant production, Coffee/cocoa/tea, Agricultural development, Plant protection, Institution Source: FAO, FAOLEX Implemented by The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (Cess) Regulations, 2018. Legislation | Jamaica | 2018 Keyword: International trade, Royalties/fees, Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings, Agricultural commodities, Inspection, Offences/penalties, Coffee/cocoa/tea, Condiments/herbs/spices, Fruits/edible nuts, Beverages Source: FAO, FAOLEX The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority Regulations, 2018. Legislation | Jamaica | 2018 Keyword: International trade, Agricultural commodities, Authorization/permit, Business/industry/corporations, Certification, Offences/penalties, Registration, Royalties/fees, Use restrictions, Coffee/cocoa/tea, Condiments/herbs/spices, Transport/storage, Vending, Beverages Source: FAO, FAOLEX