Castor Production & Processing Initiative

Turning Castor Crops
into Lasting Livelihoods

The Eden Street Castor Production and Processing Initiative is a farming, agro-processing, and product development program launched in 2015 by the Jamaica Baptist Union to drive sustainable economic growth in rural Jamaica.

By empowering local farmers to participate in the high-value castor oil industry, this initiative creates jobs, builds skills, and unlocks long-term wealth creation for communities in Manchester and beyond.

Your support helps Jamaican farmers move from raw production to value-added markets.

WHY THIS PROJECT

MATTERS

Castor oil is in growing global demand across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and wellness industries, creating strong income potential for local farmers.

By enabling processing and product development, this initiative ensures farmers earn more than raw crop prices.

With years of groundwork completed, the castor programme is positioned to generate stable jobs, long term income, and community- wide economic growth.

HOW IT WORKS

Donor support provides the infrastructure, equipment,
and working capital needed to move from raw castor
beans to finished products such as Jamaica Black Castor
Oil, soaps, and soil nutrients.

Eden Street supports castor farmers through a phased
development model that combines land cultivation,
training, processing, and market access. Farmers:

A PHASED AND PROVEN APPROACH

Phase 1: Completed

Between 2015 and 2021, the Jamaica Baptist Union recruited over 150 small farmers representing 1,000 acres of land. Commercial farms were established on 300 acres, production audits were conducted, and major research was completed, including geographic indication work and new product development.

Phase 2: In Progress

Phase 2 focuses on establishing a model castor farm and innovation centre at the STEM Academy, while scaling processing operations across 20 acres. This phase requires USD 412,756 in donor funding to support capital expenses and working capital

Phase 3: Expansion

Phase 3 re-engages small farmers across 1,000 acres and scales processing for both local and export markets. Products include Jamaica Black Castor Oil, soaps, and soil nutrients, positioning farmers to compete globally while retaining value locally

STRONG MARKET

OPPORTUNITY

The castor value chain offers multiple revenue streams. In Phase 2 alone, projected sales include castor seeds, bulk oil, and bottled products, with gross revenues exceeding USD 315,000. At full production capacity, financial projections show strong margins, a payback period of approximately two years, and a return on investment of 95 percent over five years. This makes castor production one of the most viable agricultural pathways for sustainable income generation in rural communities.

DEMONSTRATED TRACTION AND IMPACT

With over USD 650,000 in donor funding raised to date, the castor program has already delivered significant results. These include placing 300 acres into production, forming partnerships with government ministries and agencies, developing farmer monitoring tools, securing international technical alliances, and creating nationally recognized vocational qualifications for castor production and oil extraction

Castor Production and Processing Initiative

Discover how the Castor Production and Processing Initiative supports farmers, builds value-added production, and creates long-term economic opportunity. Download the full presentation to learn more about the phased approach and investment potential.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your donation supports farmer training, processing infrastructure, product development, and market access.

By investing in the Castor Production and Processing Initiative, you are helping Jamaican farmers move beyond subsistence and into
sustainable, wealth-generating enterprise.

Together, we can grow opportunity from the ground up.