The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA)—regulators of Jamaica’s Coffee, Cocoa, Coconut, Nutmeg, Turmeric, Ginger, and Pimento industries—has launched a joint task force aimed at assessing the damage done to the commodities sector and determining the type of support needed following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

This task force, which comprises key stakeholders from across the various commodity industries, has begun the process of conducting site visits and damage assessments in several affected parishes.

The objective is to gather accurate data on crop losses, infrastructure damage, and the immediate needs of farmers and processors to support recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

According to JACRA’s Acting Director General Wayne Hunter, the initiative underscores the Authority’s commitment to ensuring a coordinated response.

“Many of our farmers have suffered significant setbacks as a result of Hurricane Melissa. This task force allows us to work closely with the industry to identify where help is needed most and to chart a clear path toward recovery and resilience,” Hunter said. “We want the industry and all its stakeholders to know that help is on the way.” 

JACRA has indicated that findings from the task force will help inform the agency’s recommendations to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining regarding sectoral support, as well as guide future disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies within the regulated industries.

“The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining is working ardently to ensure our farmers, processors, and exporters are in a position to continue supporting one of Jamaica’s most important sectors. As such, there is a lot of evaluation and recovery work being done,” Hunter explained.

“It is with this in mind that JACRA is committing to working alongside all our stakeholders—especially our farmers—to ensure no stone is left unturned in these unprecedented times,” he added.

The Authority continues to urge farmers to remain in contact with their local representatives to report damages and seek guidance on available assistance programmes.