In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s agricultural sector has suffered a historic catastrophe — with total losses estimated at $29.5 billion. Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Floyd Green described the scale of destruction as unparalleled in recent memory, with food systems, livestock, and fisheries all reeling from the storm’s impact. Despite the devastation, recovery efforts are already in motion.
More than 70,000 farmers have been affected across Jamaica’s top-producing regions. Preliminary assessments indicate over 41,000 hectares of farmland were damaged, including nearly 80% of vegetable beds wiped out across major crop zones. Bananas, plantains, and other staples were also devastated, alongside livestock losses that include over 1.25 million animals—ranging from poultry and cattle to goats and sheep.
The fisheries sector was similarly battered. Roughly a quarter of Jamaica’s fishing vessels—about 3,289 boats—have been rendered inoperable. Damage in this sector alone is valued at $5.76 billion.
In response, Minister Green announced an aggressive restart strategy, beginning with the reactivation of the Agricultural Disaster Recovery Task Force and the immediate redirection of $450 million from existing agricultural support programmes to fund emergency rehabilitation.
Emergency importation measures have been activated to ensure food security in the short term. Select vegetables—such as tomatoes, lettuce, and cabbage—are being brought in under temporary import protocols, alongside chicken parts, eggs, and fish, all subject to strict veterinary checks. These imports are designed to be short-lived, with gradual phase-outs as domestic supply stabilizes.
On the production front, the ministry has begun distributing seeds, fertilizer, and essential supplies to restart cultivation. Special attention is being given to the least-affected areas, particularly in Eastern Jamaica and designated agro-parks. The first wave of replanting includes:
- 200 acres of sweet pepper
- 150 acres each of cassava and sweet potato
- 200 acres of open-field vegetables
- 150 acres of hot pepper
- 150 acres of scallion
The Agro-Investment Corporation is overseeing the rollout, prioritizing speed and food security.
In coastal communities, work has started to restore fisheries. Cleanup crews are clearing blocked beach access routes, while repair kits—fiberglass, resin, and marine hardware—are being issued to rebuild damaged vessels and restore livelihoods quickly.
For livestock producers, the Veterinary Services Division has launched an animal health stabilization initiative, including emergency medical supplies and recovery programs to protect the national herd and prevent further losses.
Looking forward, the ministry is pivoting toward resilience. The medium-term response will involve accelerated adoption of climate-smart farming techniques, strategic land use planning, and the modernization of rural infrastructure to withstand future shocks.
Minister Green closed with a sober but resolute message: “Our farmers and fishers are already standing back up. Recovery is not a wish — it’s already underway. We are committed to ensuring that every seed sown and every boat restored is part of a stronger, smarter sector.”
The nation’s agricultural backbone may be bent, but as Green emphasized, it is far from broken.
