KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green has underscored the critical role of farmers in Jamaica’s recovery and long-term food security, describing them as “the most important people in our society” while outlining a vision for a modern, high-tech agricultural sector.

Speaking at the Recovery and Investment Forum hosted by the Ministry and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) at Hope Gardens recently, Green said the ongoing Hurricane Melissa Recovery Programme is not only rebuilding livelihoods but laying the foundation for a more resilient and technologically advanced industry.

“We are in a month that we are celebrating our farmers… once you have had something to eat, you need to tell a farmer thank you,” Green told attendees, stressing that food production remains essential regardless of economic status. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of local agriculture, as concerns grew about food availability during border closures.

The minister highlighted that the Government’s recovery efforts are being driven through RADA, which he described as the “main engine” of support for farmers. He praised the forum as a timely initiative bringing together producers, input suppliers and financial institutions to focus on both recovery and investment.

Central to his address was the scale of the Hurricane Melissa Recovery Programme, backed by approximately $1.98 billion. The initiative targets more than 70,000 farmers affected by the category 5 storm, with over 19,800 already benefiting and roughly $221 million spent to restore productivity.

Green detailed early successes in the recovery push, particularly in crop production. More than 14,000 seed packs have been distributed, contributing to the re-establishment of 840 hectares of farmland. He pointed to a noticeable rebound in vegetable supply, noting that consumers are now seeing improved availability in markets.

“People not talking about what they can’t find because it is too much… whether it be cabbage, whether it be lettuce,” he said, describing this as the first phase of recovery.

The forum also showcased the Government’s push towards modernising agriculture. Attendees were exposed to advanced tools such as sprayer drones, data-gathering drones and mechanised equipment including tiller tractors and augers. These technologies, supported through partnerships with private sector suppliers, are intended to boost efficiency and global competitiveness.

In addition to production and technology, financial resilience was a key focus. Approximately 200 farmers from several parishes engaged with major financial institutions, receiving guidance on insurance and risk management to better withstand future climate shocks.

Other milestones shared included the distribution of 100,000 baby chicks and over 16,000 bags of feed to support livestock recovery, as well as land preparation across more than 500 hectares for 1,300 farmers.

The event concluded with the symbolic handover of equipment and an exhibition providing farmers with technical guidance on climate-smart practices, reinforcing the ministry’s broader goal of building a high-yield, high-impact agricultural sector.