Development in Standards and Certification
JOAM was able through international funding (CIDA, CPEC, JEA) to make strides in developing organic standards and certification in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

The first major steps occurred in 2003. Approximately 14 Jamaicans were successfully trained to international standards as organic inspectors. Within the same year JOAM Standards for Organic Handling and Processing, which still serves as the only local standards, was developed. The Jamaica Organic Farming Handbook, A Guide for Extension Workers and Farmers was also developed in the same year.

National Assistance
The development of this critical area of the local industry is ongoing and received a boost in 2006 from national funding, through the National Organic Agriculture Enhancement Project (NOAEP). The National Organic Agriculture Steering Committee (NOASC) was established under the NOEAP which aims to facilitate the enhanced development of a sustainable organic agriculture (OA) in Jamaica. The objectives of the project that directly relate to this aspect of the industry seek to:

Develop a policy document and supporting legislation for the local OA sector

Hold sensitization and training workshops in the principles and techniques of OA

Prepare and disseminate information relevant to OA

Facilitate international and local organic certification

Development through Volunteerism
Dr. Kathy Dalip volunteered to serve as the interim Chair of the Standards and Certification Committee (SCC) in 2003 after successfully completing the Organic Inspector's Training Course. Dr. Dalip was officially elected to the post at the October 2003 annual general meeting. During her tenure the JOAM certification process was developed, producing pertinent documents such as the farm pre-inspection questionnaire and the JOAM inspection application form.

Dr. Janet Lawrence now serves as the second Chair of the SCC. Dr. Lawrence began her tenure at the start of the 2005-2006 administrative year, and is now serving the second year of a two year term. She continues to build on the foundation already set and since her tenure the process pre-inspection questionnaire was developed.