According to Jamaica Observer, 30 of the 75 farmers received two wieners and seven bags of pig feed, and will be required to return four wieners to the JAS which are then distributed to farmers already waiting to be a part of the programme.

This investment, according to United Way, is slated to improve the social and economic well-being of approximately 800 farmers over a five-year period from vulnerable rural communities across Jamaica. The level of pork production, it said, is expected to increase significantly as a result of the investment.

"Our investment in the Jamaica Agricultural Society's projects is in keeping with our mission to improve lives through partnership for a better Jamaica," said United Way's Chairman Ian Forbes.

Some of the communities that have benefitted include Cool Shades Mexico, Riversdale, Devil's Race Course, Bois Content, Byndloss, Bodles, Mount Pass, Omeally, Colbeck and Watermount.

United Way, which has invested more than $31 million in agricultural projects over the past eight years, on March 5 presented $1.5 million to the JAS to provide input materials such as seeds, small tools and equipment following the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. A total of 500 farmers in the worst affected areas of St Mary, Portland, St Ann, St Thomas, St Catherine and Kingston & St Andrew are to benefit.

"The assistance will ensure that the short to medium term livelihood of the affected farmers are secure as many of these persons are totally dependent on agriculture for survival," said JAS President Senator Norman Grant.

"... These combined efforts demonstrate that United Way is serious about the agricultural sector and continues to play a noble part in its progression," said Grant.

Janet Pullen, the JAS's manager of training, projects and marketing pointed out that members of 12 branches of the agricultural society have benefited from the programme.