A total of 81 farm roads are programmed for repairs by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining.

This was announced by Portfolio Minister Floyd Green during the launch of this year’s National Farm Road Rehabilitation Programme in Cornwall Top, St. Elizabeth, on November 28.

Green advised that 61 of the roads are slated to be repaired over the next year at a cost of $870 million.

He indicated that 21 have been completed while contracts have been signed for the others. Those which he said have been completed include Thatch Walk in St. Ann, Coker Road in St Elizabeth, Crawl Road in Hanover, Post Road in Clarendon, and Adelphi Mountain in St James.

The Minister further indicated that another 20 farm roads that were damaged during Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Rafael are also slated to be repaired.

Green pointed out that some 3,800 farmers will benefit from improved access to their properties.

Additionally, he said the Ministry anticipates that the Farm Road Programme will positively impact agricultural enterprises valued at more than $10 billion. Phase one of the Cornwall Top Farm Road Rehabilitation Project was also officially opened during the ceremony.

Minister Green assured the residents that the entire roadway will be fully rehabilitated.

“There is more to be done. But as we try to reach as many communities as possible, we do phase one here, we do phase one there, and then we come back. So, I say to the residents, more is on the horizon,” he said.

Green pointed out that between 2019 and 2023, more than $2 billion was spent on farm roads across the island.