When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, it left a trail of devastation that went far beyond flattened crops. The storm triggered an estimated J$30 billion in agricultural losses, impacting approximately 70,000 farmers and destroying 43,000 hectares of land across the island. Hardest hit were the small-scale producers in Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, St. James, and Trelawny, whose very livelihoods were washed away in the deluge.

In a swift response to this national crisis, the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) has partnered with Hardware & Lumber Limited (H&L) and the Hardware & Lumber Foundation to launch a J$80 million Small Farmers Programme. This initiative is designed to provide immediate relief and long-term stability for those most vulnerable to the storm's aftermath.

A Structured Recovery Backed by Partnership

At the heart of the recovery is a structured financial support system. The AFJ has committed US$500,000 (approximately J$80 million) to fund 1,600 co-branded gift cards, each valued at J$50,000. These cards empower farmers to purchase essential inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, and tools, through the H&L retail network.

Winston Shaw, RADA’s Senior Director of Technology, Training and Technical Information, emphasized the importance of this approach during the program’s launch:

"Through this $80-million programme, 1,600 small farmers will receive co-branded gift cards valued at $50,000 each. This isn't just a donation; it is ‘cash in hand’ for seeds, fertilizers, and tools".

To ensure maximum impact, H&L has offered discounted pricing on targeted supplies, while the H&L Foundation’s GCT-exempt status ensures every dollar goes further for the farmer.

RADA: Boots on the Ground

While the funding provides the means, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) provides the "boots on the ground". RADA has utilized drone technology and its national network of extension officers to conduct rapid damage assessments in remote and severely affected areas. This field intelligence ensured that the assistance was directed toward verified beneficiaries who needed it most.

Shaw noted that the storm's impact was deeply personal for many communities:

“In parishes like Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, and Hanover, the damage was not just to the land, it was to the very livelihoods of our small-scale producers”.

Beyond identifying recipients, RADA is integrating this program into the Government’s J$3-billion national recovery plan. This includes providing technical extension services, soil rehabilitation techniques, and climate-smart production strategies to help farmers rebuild sustainably.

Building Back Better

The goal is not merely to return to the status quo, but to increase resilience against future climate shocks. This vision is bolstered by a US$1 million shipment of organic seeds from the U.S.-based NGO Back to the Roots, which will provide additional planting materials to farmers across impacted parishes.

As Shaw stressed, the focus remains on the partnership between the state and the producer:

“Our goal isn't just to return to ‘pre-Melissa’ levels. We are building back better. We are focusing on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable practices”.

As recovery accelerates, RADA continues to emphasize partnership with producers.

“To our farmers, RADA is your partner. Our extension officers are ready to provide the technical guidance to ensure every seed planted from this program results in a bountiful harvest,” Shaw concluded.