$3m In Relief For Jamaican Coffee Farmers

Thirty-five coffee farmers from the parliamentary constituency of Saint Andrew East Rural will be receiving around $3million of relief aid as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries begin to help those affected last year’s bushfires.

According to reports, the compensation package available to the farmers will include new seedlings, plants and fertilisers, as well as a financial package that is worth up to $30,000 per acre lost.

It is seen as the first step towards rebuilding Jamaica’s coffee industry.

These provisions are part of a wider government strategy. $25million has been set aside for a full-scale rehabilitation and mitigation programme for those who lost their livelihoods during the fires.

The fires – which we covered, last May – caused an estimated Jm$500million worth of damage.

During a ceremonial event in Guava Ridge, Saint Andrew, Derrick Kellier of the governing People’s National Party, said that well over 10,000 coffee seedlings have been donated to the area thus far.

As well as handing out new coffee plants to established farmers, a substantial amount of money has gone to restoring the area’s infrastructure and transport network.

“We want to encourage you farmers to continue to work as diligently as you have been,” Kellier said.

“We,” he continued, referring to the government, “are encouraged by what we have seen today, in terms of growth and development.”

Many of the affected farmers have shown their gratitude for the scheme.