THE American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) has donated almost 250,000 packets of high-quality vegetable, herb and flower seeds, valued at approximately US$750,000, to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining.

Presented during a ceremony at the Bodles Research Station, the occasion marked one of the largest in-kind donations ever coordinated by AFJ, and comes at a critical time as farming communities continue rebuilding following Hurricane Melissa last October.

The organic seeds from United States-based organic gardening company Back to the Roots are now undergoing the required quarantine and testing process to later be distributed through the ministry and its network of partners to farmers, schools, and communities across Jamaica.

Priority will be given to the hardest-hit areas, members of the Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement, and schools participating in the Jamaica 4-H Programme.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green said the donation forms part of Jamaica’s ongoing agricultural recovery following Melissa.

Packages of organic seeds — including tomato, onion, basil, radish, cucumber, and wildflower — on display at the Bodles Research Station handover ceremony.

He noted that targeted recovery initiatives have already helped drive the country’s highest first-quarter vegetable production on record, and said continued partnerships such as this are essential to sustaining that progress.

“Recovery is a journey. It’s not a single activity — it’s a series of ongoing efforts, and this handover is part of that journey. This support will go a long way in boosting local food production, enhancing livelihoods, and building greater resilience in our agricultural sector,” said Green.

Meanwhile, AFJ Executive Director Caron Chung said the donation reflects the organisation’s commitment to creating lasting impact through partnerships that strengthen communities and support Jamaica’s long-term development.

“These seeds represent far more than packets on a table. They represent tomatoes and peppers on a family table, herbs in a school nutrition programme, vegetables in the markets, and opportunities for farmers to increase production and improve their livelihoods. Most importantly, they represent hope,” Chung said.

Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green delivers remarks at Bodles Research Station during the handover of more than 247,000 organic seed packets by the American Friends of Jamaica.

She noted that agriculture aligns closely with AFJ’s mission of advancing sustainable development across Jamaica through investments in education, health care and economic opportunity.

“Agriculture sits at the heart of economic development because it nourishes families, creates jobs, supports rural communities, and strengthens national resilience,” added Chung..

The donation was made possible through collaboration between Back to the Roots and long-time friend and supporter Ayesha Curry of AFJ, whose mother is Jamaican.

Moved by the impact of Hurricane Melissa on farming communities, Curry encouraged the company to explore ways it could support the island’s recovery, helping to bring the donation to fruition.

“Back to the Roots is honoured to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts. We’re grateful to Ayesha Curry for bringing this opportunity to our attention, and alongside our partners we hope this seed donation helps strengthen food security and supports communities as they rebuild,” said Back to the Roots.