Poultry farmers get post-hurricane recovery assistance to rebuild

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl's impact, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has launched a comprehensive recovery programme aimed at restoring Jamaica's poultry sector. As part of the relief efforts, thousands of local farmers are receiving much-needed resources to rebuild and continue their livelihoods. 

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, emphasised the importance of quick and effective support for those most affected.

"The resilience of our farming community has been remarkable," Minister Green stated.

"We are committed to ensuring that our poultry farmers get back on their feet as quickly as possible. This distribution of chickens, feed, and land preparation support is just one part of our ongoing mission to restore agricultural productivity and secure the livelihoods of our farmers.”

To date, the ministry has delivered vital supplies to over 9,136 farmers across several parishes, with 15,124 broiler chickens and 519 bags of feed already distributed.

The recovery efforts have focused on key agricultural parishes, including St Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St Ann, St Mary, Portland, and St Thomas. Distribution will continue throughout this week, ensuring that more farmers receive the necessary support. 

In addition to the poultry and feed distribution, the ministry has begun land preparation activities in the hardest-hit regions, prioritising St Elizabeth, Manchester, and Clarendon, alongside other key production zones.

So far, $57 million has been disbursed to facilitate these recovery efforts, with $7 million contributed by the private sector. Approximately 2,000 farmers are being targeted for assistance, ensuring that they can recover from the damages caused by the hurricane. 

Minister Green reaffirmed the ministry’s long-term commitment to supporting the sector, noting, "We recognise that the road to recovery will take time, but we are working tirelessly to ensure that farmers have the tools and resources they need to rebuild and thrive." 

Additionally, fertiliser distribution has already commenced in the worst-affected areas. So far, 3,430 bags of fertiliser, including blends tailored to the needs of greenhouse farmers, have been provided in St Elizabeth, Manchester, and Clarendon. This is part of a broader effort to restore agricultural productivity and enhance food security across the island. 

The ministry continues to work alongside private partners and local communities to ensure that Jamaica’s agricultural sector emerges stronger and more resilient. 

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