Over $11 million for 145 youth farmers and fisherfolk affected by Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica Gleaner | 2025-12-04 | Original Article

More than $11 million (US$70,000) has been allocated to support 145 youth farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, the agricuture ministry says.

 

Among the beneficiaries are 110 youth farmers and fisherfolk from Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St Thomas, and Clarendon, previously trained under a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project, as well as 35 fisherfolk from Gallion Beach in St Elizabeth.

 

A statement from the agriculture ministry said the grant aims to restore income-generating activities, re-establish agricultural operations, and strengthen climate-resilient production practices.

 

The grant, funded by the United Nations Development Programme Multi-Country Office in Jamaica, is being channelled through the Jamaica 4-H Foundation 2016 Limited.

 

The allocations are being made under the Jamaica Resilient Recovery Initiative, which forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen resilience in Jamaica’s agricultural and fisheries sectors in the wake of climate-related shocks.

 

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green commended the programme for its focus on youth, highlighting the challenges young people face in agriculture.

 

“Data show that it is more challenging for youth to get involved in agricultural enterprise. They have less access to capital, less access to land, and overall, it is a very difficult task to balance business with the realities of youth,” he said at a news conference on Wednesday at the Jamaica 4-H Clubs’ Kingston and St Andrew office.

 

He cautioned that without targeted intervention, many young people would abandon their agricultural pursuits.

 

“A lot of them barely reach a stage where they are able to see themselves through. Having gone through multiple programmes, studies, this blow can be almost fatal to their agricultural enterprise,” Green said.

 

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