KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) says it has completed a $120 million recovery intervention in Jamaica’s coffee sector, aimed at supporting recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

The initiative formed a central part of the Government of Jamaica’s and JACRA’s coordinated response to the widespread damage sustained by coffee farms, infrastructure and livelihoods within the island’s premier coffee-growing areas.

The affected farmers, who farm the Blue Mountain and High Mountain regions, were provided fertiliser, insecticides and other essential crop protection materials, alongside planting material to support replanting efforts and restore productivity across affected farms.

Acting Director General of JACRA, Wayne Hunter, described the programme as a critical step in stabilising the industry and supporting farmers in their recovery.

“The completion of this support programme marks an important milestone in the recovery of our coffee sector. Following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, it was imperative that we moved quickly and decisively to assist our farmers,” he explained.

“This investment ensured that they had the resources needed to restore their farms and resume production,” Hunter added.

He noted that the intervention was carefully designed to address both immediate recovery needs and the longer-term sustainability of the sector.

“By providing quality inputs and clean planting material, we are helping to rebuild productivity while maintaining the high standards that define Jamaica’s coffee on the global stage,” he added.

The recovery programme was implemented under JACRA’s broader Crop Restoration and Establishment Programme (CREP), which integrates replanting, plant nutrition, technical guidance, and ongoing field support.

The authority worked closely with farmers, industry associations and stakeholders to ensure that support was effectively distributed and aligned with on-the-ground needs.

JACRA emphasised that the completion of this phase of support represents progress, not an endpoint, in the recovery journey of the coffee industry.

“While we are proud of what has been accomplished, our work is far from over. JACRA will continue to stand with our farmers and industry partners as we move into the next phase of recovery and growth,” Hunter noted.