Rehabilitation fund launched to assist farmers

A farmers' rehabilitation fund has been launched to provide support for farmers most affected by Hurricane Beryl, which impacted the island on July 3.

The fund aims to raise $20 million and was launched by the United Way of Jamaica, in collaboration with the Government and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining; the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS); ScotiaBank Canada; Seprod Foundation; Musson Foundation; Friends of Jamaica and their global partner, United Way Worldwide.

Persons wishing to donate may do so at Sagicor Bank A/C JMD 5501183433, USD 5500129141. For more information persons may email info@unitedwayofjamaica.org or call 1 (876)-322-6477.

The farmers' rehabilitation fund aims to facilitate access to critical resources, including seeds, equipment, and financial aid to help farmers restore their livelihood.

The fund was unveiled at the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) offices in St Andrew, on July 12.

Commending the undertaking, Senior Strategist, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Michael Pryce, said partnerships are essential in ensuring that farmers can recover stronger from the passage of the hurricane.

He said a Task Force has been formed to coordinate and work with partners on initiatives that will provide resources to the nation's farmers as quickly as possible.

“We also have a responsibility to coordinate with other government agencies. We are committed to a process of timely, quick and effective response to not only rebuild but to build better,” he said, adding that the Ministry, through its agencies, stands ready to play a coordinating role in identifying the persons in need of the assistance.

Chairman of the United Way of Jamaica, Dr Devon Smith, urged donors to assist in the relief efforts for the local farmers who have been affected by the passage of the hurricane and thanked the various partners.

He said $500,000 seed funding has been approved by the United Way Board to kick-start the Fund.

“This recovery is not about rebuilding what has been lost but it's about strengthening what has been lost, strengthen the infrastructure, strengthen the capacity, so that we can withstand the future challenges,” he said.

Smith noted that on July 8, United Way Worldwide launched a portal on their website, which is raising funds for Hurricane Beryl victims and can be accessed at www.unitedway.org.

He said the team will be going into the affected communities to conduct assessments, noting that disbursement should begin by July 30.

For his part, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Commercial Manager, Jamaica Agricultural Society, Derron Grant, expressed gratitude for the undertaking, which will provide much-needed support to farmers and the sector.

Chairperson, Seprod and Musson Foundations, Melanie Subratie, said the fund will address the urgent needs of farming communities that have been affected.

She disclosed that the Seprod and Musson Foundations have committed $2 million to the Fund to assist with the recovery efforts, the sustainability of farmers and the agricultural sector.

“Through the farmers' rehabilitation fund, we aim to provide both immediate relief and long-term support to the communities most affected. This effort is guided by the Jamaica Agricultural Society and supported by partnerships with both State and non-State actors. It's a testament to what we can achieve when we all work together and… I would urge other corporate foundations and corporations to come on board and also donate to the fund,” she said.

Chairman, Finance and Administration Committee, United Way of Jamaica, Paul Cole, informed that the JAS will serve as the primary avenue for distributing the funds.

“As we embark on this journey of recovery and resilience, I urge all stakeholders, partners and community members to join hands in supporting our farmers. Let us work together to ensure that our agricultural sector emerges stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future,” he said.

- JIS News

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