$10m added to West Portland farm road restoration amid climate challenges
Published:Saturday | December 14, 2024 | 12:05 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
WEST PORTLAND:
An additional $10 million has been allocated for the clearing and restoration of farm roads in sections of West Portland to improve access to farmlands. This comes as part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining’s efforts to support farmers following severe weather events.
On Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Floyd Green, accompanied by Member of Parliament (MP) for West Portland Daryl Vaz, and a technical team, visited Mullet Hall in the Buff Bay Valley to meet with farmers and outline the forthcoming assistance.
This marks Minister Green’s second visit to the storm-damaged farm roads in West Portland since November. He emphasised the ministry’s commitment to creating better access for farmers while providing the necessary support to sustain their livelihoods.
“I know many of you were hard-hit during Hurricane Beryl in July, and the persistent heavy rains that followed have worsened the situation,” said Green.
“The reality is that the climate has changed. We’re seeing periods of drought where we once had rain and more rain where it was less common. In this Portland belt, the consistent rains since Hurricane Beryl have caused significant damage, leaving many farmers unable to tend their fields. Banana, plantain, and coffee farmers, in particular, have suffered tremendous losses.”
Green highlighted that the ministry intervenes whenever natural disasters cause damage to farm roads, ensuring farmers can access their lands.
“We initially allocated $17 million to repair the road from Mahoe to Wakefield in the Buff Bay Valley. However, with further deterioration due to recent rains, we’ve added $10 million to the budget, bringing the total to $27 million. We are committed to ensuring the roads are restored properly,” he explained.
The minister also announced plans to address other affected areas, including Spring Hill, to facilitate better access for coffee farmers. Additionally, the ministry will allocate $50 million to support coffee farmers who suffered losses due to these weather events.
Among the hardest-hit farming communities in West Portland are Content, Spring Hill, Mullet Hall, Banger Ridge, Section, Cascade, Bybrook, Commodore, Fruitful Vale, Mount Pleasant, and Balcarres.