Total value added at constant prices for the Jamaican economy grew by 1.8 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2013 when compared to the similar quarter of 2012.

This was due to improvements in both the Goods Producing and Services industries of 5.0 per cent and 0.7 per cent respectively. When compared to the third quarter in 2013, the economy declined by 0.3 per cent. Preliminary estimates for calendar year 2013 revealed a 0.2 per cent growth in the value added when compared to 2012.

Year over Year Change

Value added for the Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing industry grew by 13.1 per cent for the fourth quarter of 2013 when compared to the similar quarter in 2012. This represents the second quarterly growth since damages were sustained by the passage of hurricane Sandy in October 2012. The major factors contributing to growth in the industry were favourable weather conditions and several initiatives by the government to aid the recovery process. Farmers were encouraged to replant as well as to increase their acreage. This resulted in a significant increase in production. Higher levels of output were recorded in both Traditional Export Crops of 31.3 per cent and Other Agricultural Crops (which includes Animal Farming, Forestry & Fishing), of 10.4 per cent. All crops within the group Other Agricultural Crops, recorded growth during the review period. This growth was largely influenced by root crops and vegetables, which increased by 4.2 per cent and 24.1 per cent respectively. The total area reaped for root crops moved from 3,740 hectares in 2012 to 3,840 hectares in 2013 representing a 2.7 per cent increase; while the total area reaped for vegetables grew by 26.1 per cent moving from 4,341 hectares in 2012 to 5,475 hectares in 2013.