JACRA assessing damage to agricultural industries it regulates

The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA), regulators of Jamaica’s coffee, cocoa, coconut, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger, and pimento industries, is seeking to assure players in those industries that help is on the way following the launch of a joint taskforce aimed at assessing the damage done to the commodities sector following Hurricane Melissa.

The taskforce, which comprises key stakeholders from across the various commodity industries, has started the process of conducting site visits and damage assessments in several affected parishes.

JACRA says 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.

“Many of our farmers have suffered significant setbacks as a result of Hurricane Melissa. This taskforce 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,” JACRA’s Acting Director General, Wayne Hunter said in a media release.

“We want the industry and all its stakeholders to know that help is on the way,” he added.

JACRA has indicated that findings from the taskforce 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 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 damage and seek guidance on available assistance programmes.

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.