Farmers in St. Elizabeth Get Assistance from GraceKennedy

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has received approximately $10 million in irrigation infrastructure support and farming supplies to boost agricultural resilience in Hounslow, St. Elizabeth.

The donation, which was handed over by GraceKennedy (GK) Foods at the National Irrigation Commission (NIC) Hounslow pump house on November 1, included $6.2 million to purchase a generator and more than $3 million of direct support to farmers through the provision of fertilisers, irrigation supplies and seedlings.

This formed part of ongoing public-private partnerships in support of Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, who received the donation on behalf of the farming community, indicated that the lack of electricity, following Hurricane Beryl in July, left farmers struggling to restart their operations.

He said the new generator will ensure that the NIC Hounslow pump house can remain operational, even in the event of future power outages.

“GK is a massive part of our agricultural enterprise here in St. Elizabeth and Jamaica. They support a number of farmers. The fact that they stepped forward and are contributing to these efforts is commendable,” Mr. Green added.

The Minister noted that the farming supplies will also aid in the recovery and sustainability of the farming community in the parish.

“We are truly grateful for this. It has come at an excellent time, as our farmers are now looking ahead to recovery and to see how they can expand what they have started,” Mr. Green said.

Meanwhile, GK’s General Counsel and Chief Corporate Secretary, Gail Moss-Solomon, explained that the donation aligns with the entity’s environmental, social and governance commitments.

She said Grace Agro Processors operates a factory in the community that relies on farmers for ingredients used in their pepper sauces and jerk seasonings, which are distributed throughout Jamaica, and exported to the Caribbean, United States and Canada.

“So this is super important for us, and we see it as a great partnership with the Ministry and the farmers,” Mrs. Moss-Solomon added.

Farmer, Lex Harrison, said the donation would benefit the wider community, including small shops, restaurants and vendors.

He said GK’s ongoing commitment to the farming community in St. Elizabeth is commendable, adding that the entity has not only provided supplies, but also training for farmers to enhance their productivity.

“So we appreciate Grace, for what they have done over the years,” Mr. Harrison said.