Banana and plantain farmers islandwide are being encouraged to register with the Banana Board’s Catastrophe Fund in preparation for the 2026 hurricane season.

The fund is a disaster recovery insurance scheme created to support Jamaica’s banana and plantain farmers after hurricanes and other catastrophic events. It aims to assist producers serving both export and domestic markets.

To benefit, farmers must register before the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which spans June 1 to November 30 annually. Once the threshold is met, claims are paid out to all registered farmers.

Banana Board General Manager Janet Conie explained that registration is voluntary, conducted annually, and commences in January.

Noting that the facility “operates all year round”, she told JIS News that the fund provides coverage for a broad spectrum of natural hazards.

“It’s not just for storms but also for floods and sudden disasters of any kind, [including] windstorms. It is one of the preparatory strategies that we have in place that kicks in whenever there is a disaster,” she said.

Conie told JIS News that the catastrophe fund is currently being used to provide ongoing support to banana and plantain farmers to recover from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on the sector.

Farmers wishing to register with the fund may contact the Banana Board at (876) 922-5490.

— JIS