As Jamaica transitions from immediate relief to long-term recovery, the GraceKennedy Foundation (GKF), with support from Western Union International, has provided J$4.4 million in farming supplies to 31 farmers in some of the communities hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa. This targeted support forms part of GK’s continued focus on strengthening resilience, helping farmers rebuild their livelihoods and restore agricultural production.
“Hurricane Melissa devastated our farms, everything from water damage to wind destruction. Our workers’ homes were also badly affected,” shared Georgina Rowe-Harrison, a farmer at Grace Agro Park in St. Elizabeth.
Her husband, Lascelles Harrison, added, “We lost so much, and we are truly grateful to the Grace family. This assistance will go a far way.”
The initiative, which was executed in partnership with Grace Agro Processors (GAP) Hounslow, located in St. Elizabeth, saw the GAP team working closely with their contract farmers to assess their specific needs and coordinate the distribution of inputs to ensure practical, meaningful support.
Funds donated by Western Union were used to procure essential farming supplies tailored to each farmer’s needs, including fertiliser, drip irrigation equipment, soil enhancers and other critical inputs. GAP currently has approximately 300 farmers within its network. This intervention specifically targeted farmers from Trelawny, Westmoreland, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, and Hanover, which were among the parishes most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Caroline Mahfood, CEO of GKF, underscored the importance of supporting the farming community during recovery, “Hurricane Melissa reminded us how fragile livelihoods can be, particularly within our farming communities. Through this partnership with Western Union and GAP, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also investing in the resilience and recovery of the farmers who play such a vital role in feeding our nation.”
Andrea Coy, Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy Foods, noted that the support comes at a critical time for agricultural recovery, “In addition to providing practical support, this initiative is about restoring confidence and enabling farmers to return to production as quickly as possible. By focusing on the hardest-hit communities, we ensured that support reached those who needed it most. We are proud to stand with them, and by extension, the wider farming community that remains at the heart of our agricultural sector.”
As farmers begin the process of rebuilding, the Foundation hopes this intervention will not only help restore what was lost but also strengthen long-term resilience across the sector.
