Farmers impacted by the passage of Hurricane Beryl received almost $3 million in claims from GK General Insurance (GKGI) recently.

A total of 70 farmers who insured their crops under the GK Weather Protect policy received claims settlements totalling $1.7 million at the 70th staging of the Denbigh Agriculture and Industrial Trade Show. 

According to GKGI, by providing the GK Weather Protect policy the company aims to support the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ strategic focus on enhancing the livelihood and overall recovery of local farmers and their crops in response to natural disasters to better manage Jamaica’s food demand.

Speaking at a cheque handover during the Denbigh Agriculture and Industrial Trade Show, Chaluk Richards, general manager at GKGI, highlighted the importance of improved tech and sustainability practices to to ensure competitiveness, both of which align with GKGI’s goals and that of the farming community. He also underscored the role agriculture plays in sustaining our nation’s economy

Richards added: “GKGI’s mantra ‘Because we care’ is predicated on our parent company, GraceKennedy’s mantra – ‘We Care’. With that sentiment in mind, we presented a symbolic cheque for our ‘Weather Protect’ product to the Ministry of Agriculture to symbolise the 70 real cheque payments that will help farmers, including bee, livestock, and poultry farmers, get back on their feet despite the impact Hurricane Beryl had on their livelihood.”

The GKGI general manager explained that the product and the recent payout are indications of GKGI’s continuous commitment to the success of the farming and fishing communities, especially their ability to rebound after a natural disaster.

Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries also emphasised their commitment to farmers and the longevity of the industry.

Portfolio minister Floyd Green, who accepted the cheque on behalf of the farmers, spoke about the partnership between the ministry and GKGI and shared the experience of one member of the farming community who benefitted. He said the farmer was better able to recover following the hurricane.

On that note, the minister urged local farmers to consider securing their livelihood through insurance.

“Seventy farmers have received a payout because of Hurricane Beryl. These farmers were insured with GK General Insurance, which was paid for the ministry at the lowest level at approximately $3,000 each. As you can see, Kingsley, one of the farmers insured has already received a $45,000 payout to assist with his relief efforts. I urge you to get insured so that when we have natural occurrences, you can have some resources to get [back on your feet].”

Kingsley Palmer, the farmer Green referred to, admitted to the benefit of having insurance ahead of the passage of Hurricane Beryl and what this meant for his crops and getting his business back on its feet.

“A lot of persons today insure their houses, they insure their cars, so I decided to purchase an insurance policy that would give me adequate coverage in case there was a disaster.”, the St Elizabeth farmer said.

The GKGI Weather Protect product protects Jamaican farmers and fisherfolk against three main perils – hurricane wind, excess rainfall and drought. It was launched in 2021 in response to clients needing support in their recovery efforts from seasonal natural disasters and extreme weather conditions.