Hurricane Beryl has caused significant damage to agriculture sector, ministry says

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is reporting major damage to several facilities and agricultural projects following Hurricane Beryl’s impact on Jamaica on Wednesday.

“Despite the challenges posed by the hurricane, the ministry remains committed to ensuring a speedy recovery and support for our sectors,” the ministry said in a press release today.

“A few trees fell on the ministry premises and although this caused some disruption, the turnout of staff was commendable despite the adverse conditions. The main ministry building still has electricity, water and internet access. However, flooding was reported on several floors due to water seeping through the windows.”

The ministry said communication between parishes remained extremely difficult, with reports of roads blocked by fallen trees and utility poles. A ministry team has already begun clearing debris and fallen trees, working urgently to restore facilities to their original condition.

The ministry reports that one of the Citrus Budwood Houses at Bodles Research Station has collapsed, resulting in the loss of one of the two budwood structures at the site. In addition, one of the parent plant houses has been damaged. The station has also suffered 100 per cent damage to its commercial crops and lost its packaging hall.

Banana Board reports indicate that workers have been alerted and officials are currently assessing crop damage, which appears to be severe in areas such as Portland and St. Mary, exceeding 80 percent.

“Bodles has reported a total crop loss. One daily wage earner tragically lost his home to a candle fire. The Banana Board office is without power and although there has been minor damage to windows and plumbing, these are being addressed as part of the ongoing repair work. Most of the greenhouses in the main production areas have been destroyed,” the ministry said.

“The National Irrigation Commission (NIC) reports that their water production systems have not been significantly affected. However, transport systems have been affected by fallen trees and branches. The St Elizabeth area is still being assessed but communication problems have delayed information.

“The Essex Valley Agriculture Development Project solar system was damaged, with approximately three percent of the solar panels damaged and fences and light poles down. Water production systems at NIC operations will remain offline until power is restored. Detailed assessments are ongoing and costs will be assigned as they occur.”

The ministry also noted that agro-processing plants, such as Grace Foods in St Elizabeth, have been closed due to extensive infrastructure damage and are not expected to accept deliveries until clean-up operations are complete. Farmers will be notified accordingly.

Fishing beaches are full of debris and some boats are damaged and fishing gear is badly damaged.

“New reports are still coming in and the Rural Agriculture Development Authority (RADA) is conducting field surveys to determine the full impact of the hurricane on agricultural activities,” the ministry said.

The ministry said it is actively working with local agencies and partners to ensure a comprehensive damage assessment and facilitate effective recovery and support for affected farmers, fishermen and facilities.

“Our farmers and fishermen are the backbone of our country. We ask for your resilience and solidarity as we work together to restore normalcy,” the ministry said.

“Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.”

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