A total of 145 young farmers and fishers across four parishes, whose livelihoods were severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, are set to benefit from grant funding of US$70,000 under the Jamaica Resilient Recovery Initiative (JARRI).

The funds, provided by the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Multi-Country Office in Jamaica, will deliver urgent, targeted interventions for beneficiaries in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Clarendon and St. Thomas.

Being channelled through Jamaica 4-H Foundation 2016 Limited, the support aims to stabilise the agricultural sector by assisting recovery efforts in hard-hit farming communities.

The beneficiaries include 110 youth farmers and agro-processors and 35 fisherfolk from Galleon Beach in St Elizabeth, which suffered extensive coastal damage during the storm.

Addressing a press briefing on Wednesday (Dec. 3) at the Jamaica 4-H Clubs’ Kingston and St. Andrew office on Duke Street, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Floyd Green said that the initiative comes at a crucial moment for families who have lost their source of income.

He said that the road to recovery requires “practical, targeted, and well-managed support, which is precisely what JARRI provides.”

The minister said the Category 5 hurricane left many farming and fishing communities devastated, with residents losing livelihoods overnight, noting that he has witnessed their extraordinary courage and resilience as they begin to rebuild.

Through JARRI, beneficiaries will receive a range of recovery inputs, including fertilisers, seeds, irrigation tools, livestock, fencing, feed, medication, hive bodies, bees, and equipment for apiculture.

Technical coaching will also be provided in climate-smart agriculture, production planning, safe fishing practices, and financial literacy to strengthen long-term resilience.

Minister Green hailed the UNDP, Jamaica 4-H Foundation 2016 Limited and the wider 4-H movement for their strong partnership and continued support for Jamaica’s resilience-building efforts.

He said that the ministry remains firmly committed to strengthening climate resilience, modernising agriculture, supporting youth in agri-business, and building a sustainable fisheries sector. JARRI supports all these pillars.”

The minister assured the nation’s farmers and fisherfolk that the Government stands with them as they recover and rebuild.

“We see you, we hear you, and we are standing with you. Hurricane Melissa tested our strength, but it did not defeat our spirit. With proper support, partnerships like JARRI, and the resilience of our Jamaican people, we will recover stronger than before,” he declared.