Agroforestry expansion and new nurseries to drive long-term forest recovery
/ Our Today
administrator
The Government is expanding agroforestry and nursery infrastructure as part of its long-term forest recovery strategy following Hurricane Melissa, with a focus on food security, rural livelihoods and climate resilience.
Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda said Hurricane Melissa has accelerated the rescoping of the country’s agroforestry programme, allowing fruit trees and mixed planting systems to be integrated into forest rehabilitation efforts.
Under Phase One of the RE-LEAF Initiative, at least 30,000 fruit trees are to be planted between January and June 2026, alongside broader reforestation efforts. Species to be distributed include breadfruit, ackee, mango, avocado and jackfruit.
Samuda acknowledged support from non-profit organisation Trees That Feed, which has provided a US$50,000 grant to supply approximately 12,000 fruit trees, with additional seedlings to be produced through national forestry nurseries at no cost to recipients.
To support increased planting targets, the Forestry Department is advancing plans to expand nursery capacity, including the establishment of an additional nursery facility in western Jamaica. Sites in St James, St Elizabeth and Westmoreland are currently under assessment.
The expansion is expected to increase national seedling production by at least 20 per cent annually and improve logistical efficiency in delivering reforestation programmes in the most hurricane-impacted regions.
The nursery expansion aligns with commitments outlined in the 2025 Budget Presentation and will support the rollout of Phase Two of the National Tree Planting Initiative, which aims to plant an additional three million trees nationwide.
Samuda said the integration of agroforestry into forest recovery efforts reflects a shift toward rebuilding landscapes that are not only environmentally resilient but also economically productive for rural communities.
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