LORRIMERS, Trelawny — A $17-million initiative to restore potato production across the island in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa was launched on Wednesday in partnership with the Canadian Government and World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Caribbean.

The launch saw the ceremonial opening of a specialised container of Chieftain Super Elite potato seeds at Glastonbury Purveyors Company in Lorrimers, marking the start of a nationwide distribution targeting small-scale rural farmers.

Under the project, more than 500 rural women and youth potato farmers are to each receive two bags of seed, specifically chosen for their high yield and disease resistance, plus a Crop Recovery Tech-Pack, which will include essential inputs for soil nutrition and pest management, ensuring that farmers have the resources needed to manage their plots from planting to market.

The seeds, sourced from the world-renowned Canadian producer McCains, represent the highest tier of Super Elite genetics, to ensure a successful harvest for potato farmers as part of the Government’s push for recovery of the agriculture sector impacted by the Category 5 hurricane that hit sections of Jamaica on October 28, 2025.

Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica Mark Berman used the ceremonial opening to highlight his country’s strong partnership with Jamaica through the Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project which has so far trained 3,300 farmers, equipped 180 extension officers, and introduced climate-resilient technologies that delivered major production gains across the agriculture sector.

Berman said after Hurricane Melissa threatened this progress, Canada moved quickly, and through the SAC’s Rapid Response Programme more than 200 farmers have already received recovery support with the Canadian Government committing an additional CAN$1 million to expand Jamaica’s agriculture recovery efforts.

A news release before the launch quoted SAC Project Country Coordinator for Jamaica Nelsa English-Johnson as saying, “This is more than just an emergency donation; it is a strategic investment in Jamaica’s food security. By bringing the best of Canadian agricultural technology directly to the hands of Jamaican women and youth we are ensuring that the recovery process is not only rapid but also inclusive and resilient.”

At the launch, Agriculture Minister Floyd Green credited the resilience of Jamaica’s small farmers, and a strategic response from his ministry. through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, for the strong rebound of the sector in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Green again pointed out that before Melissa struck Jamaica the sector was performing at seven per cent ahead of the country’s best year on record and was on course to achieve 900,000 tonnes of domestic production — a first in the island’s history.

He said less than three months after the devastating hurricane, “what we are seeing today is nothing short of remarkable”.

According to Green, within two weeks of the hurricane 6,500 seed packs were distributed and some farmers were back in the fields within days.

“As a result, short-cycle crops such as cucumber, lettuce, and beetroot have returned to markets, helping to stabilise prices,” said Green.

He pointed out that the Government has provided more than $50 million worth of seeds and significant fertiliser support, including the distribution of 7,000 bags islandwide.

But Green noted that the livestock sector faces a longer recovery following the loss of 1.1 million birds — 700,000 broilers and 400,000 layers.

To assist poultry farmers, the Government has committed $100 million for replacement birds, rehabilitation of damaged facilities, and infrastructure upgrades.

“We are not just giving them chickens; we are helping them rebuild stronger,” Green emphasised.