In the heart of Jamaica, where the beats of reggae echo through the air, a different kind of rhythm is emerging — one that speaks of urgency and adaptation in the face of rapid climate change. At the forefront of this movement is Farm Up Jamaica, an organization based in New York City dedicated to revolutionizing agriculture and raising awareness about the profound impact of climate change on the island nation.
In a recent interview, Farm Up Jamaica’s founder, Neil Curtis, shared insights into the organization’s mission and the critical need for adaptation and mitigation strategies. “The world is changing. Whether we want to admit it or not, it’s happening right before our eyes,” he emphasized.
Curtis, an Air Rights Specialist at Douglas Ellman’s Curtis Group, is at the forefront of high-rise development initiatives in New York City. While committed to reshaping the city’s architectural landscape, he has also embarked on a mission close to his heart: addressing Jamaica’s current economic challenges by spearheading the revitalization of agriculture through climate-smart organic farming.
As such, Farm Up Jamaica is hosting a Climate Change Concert on Friday, May 10, at UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY. The concert will feature some of the most prominent Caribbean artists, such as Masicka and Jada Kingdom, Nigy Boy, Alison Hinds, Mr. Killa, and more, to bring entertainment and a powerful message of climate change awareness.
With Jamaica experiencing unprecedented levels of aridity, entire rivers have vanished within a decade. The duration of droughts has doubled, leaving communities grappling with water scarcity and environmental instability. As the founder recounted, even beloved beaches such as Hellshire Beach have undergone dramatic
transformations, with water levels rising significantly within a matter of months.
“Climate change is not just about gradual shifts; it’s about rapid, alarming changes that demand our immediate attention,” he explained. “We must adapt to these new realities, and awareness is the first step towards meaningful action.”
Farm Up Jamaica’s approach encompasses two key pillars: adaptation and mitigation. Through regenerative, climate-smart agriculture, the organization aims to empower communities to cultivate food sustainably despite extreme weather patterns. They have pioneered innovative farming techniques that defy conventional limitations by reducing water usage by 66% and minimizing carbon footprints.
Curtis added that Farm Up Jamaica recognizes the importance of raising awareness among the general public, particularly the younger generation. By leveraging the star power of artists such as Masicka and Jada Kingdom, Nigy Boy, Alison Hinds, Mr. Killa, and more, the organization seeks to make farming practical and aspirational.
“We want farming to be sexy,” the founder quipped. “It’s not just about putting seeds in the ground; it’s about reclaiming our food sovereignty and building resilience in the face of climate adversity.”
In addition to cultural initiatives like concerts and celebrity endorsements, Farm Up Jamaica is actively collaborating with government agencies, private sectors, and international partners to catalyze systemic change. They aim to create a more sustainable and equitable future for Jamaica and beyond by fostering dialogue and sharing best practices.
As the interview drew to a close, the founder issued a heartfelt call to action to readers worldwide. ‘The key to supporting what we do is to understand what we do,’ he urged. ‘Your role in this movement is crucial. Join us in this journey to reconnect with our food supply and protect our environment for generations to come.”
With climate change accelerating at an alarming pace, initiatives like Farm Up Jamaica serve as beacons of hope, reminding us of the urgent need for collective action and innovation. They show us that by supporting and joining this movement, we can pave the way to a more resilient and sustainable future.
