Kingston, Jamaica — The agricultural backbone of Jamaica has taken a devastating hit following Hurricane Melissa, fueling serious concerns about food shortages and rising prices for essentials across the country.
In the western parish of St. Elizabeth, a once-resilient egg farm — designed to withstand winds up to 150 mph — was completely destroyed by the hurricane’s 185-mph gusts. At dawn, the facility was reduced to rubble, and thousands of chickens perished. The owner, who had invested his life savings into the farm, said he “thought the building would stand” — but Hurricane Melissa proved otherwise.
It wasn’t just egg farms. Across Jamaica’s breadbasket regions, the storm flattened fields of yams, cassava, potatoes, and other staple crops. Livestock was lost, greenhouses destroyed, and supply chains disrupted. For many farmers, what should have been harvest season turned into a race to salvage what remained.
Agriculture officials warn that, as a result, the prices of food items — eggs, rice, root vegetables, produce — could spike significantly between now and February next year. Vulnerable populations, including low-income families and rural communities, may be hardest hit
Meanwhile, recovery efforts have been hampered by blocked roads, power outages, and widespread infrastructure damage. Many farms remain inaccessible, slowing relief efforts and delaying replanting or restocking. The government has called for international aid and pushed for fast-track support to rebuild the agriculture sector.
What This Means for Jamaicans
- Expect rising prices on food staples like eggs, potatoes, and other produce.
- Rural and farming communities may face prolonged economic hardship.
- There’s an urgent need for national and international support to rebuild farms, restore supply chains, and ensure food security.
What Needs to Happen
- Rapid financial and technical aid for affected farmers.
- Import-substitution and temporary food import plans to buffer shortages.
- Infrastructure repairs — roads, electricity, transport — to allow supply chains to resume.
- Government oversight to ensure fair pricing and prevent price gouging.
Source > Reuters — “Jamaican farms reel from Hurricane Melissa, fueling fears of food shortages”
