Jaymee Zabienskie Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteer with Food Processing Group Alligator Pond Processors

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Jamaica’s agriculture sector is increasingly turning its sights on the export of value-added products. Given the new trend, a group of producers sought technical assistance from a F2F volunteer in designing a floor plan and operating procedures for a facility that complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards.  

The group of producers is Alligator Pond Processors, an organization that is in the very beginning stages of remodeling an existing building for the purposes of manufacturing jams and jellies, fruit preserves, and various coffee-infused products to export globally. Volunteer Jaymee Zabienskie worked closely with Jimmy and Ronna, the operators of the processing facility, on GMP and HACCP standards and gave them various production ideas for jams, jellies, dehydrators, and fruit preserves. She distributed digital materials with facts sheets regarding products they are wishing to produce, as well as training materials for the construction of the facility and potential equipment needed for processes they wish to use upon completion of construction. 

She also gave a food safety presentation to the employees who will be working in the facility. The topics covered were the differences in microorganisms and the potential symptoms and diseases they cause, how best to eliminate pathogenic organisms, and a brief history of what sparked the food safety concerns that are being implemented today. She also taught them proper handwashing and sanitation techniques, standard operating procedures, how to use the equipment, and how to work well in teams. 

Jaymee said the trip was incredibly humbling and an experience she will never forget: “Everyone I met was pleasant and I felt I could learn many things from each of them. Realizing how few some have and how content they are with so little was an eye-opener. I will return home with a new appreciation for all I am blessed to have. I intend to remain in contact with many of the young people I met and hope to be able to watch them grow with Jimmy and Ronna in their dream of bringing opportunities to the residents of Alligator Pond.” 




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