The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining reports significant damage to several of its facilities and agricultural projects following Hurricane Beryl's passage over Jamaica on July 3, 2024.

One of the citrus budwood houses has collapsed, resulting in the loss of one of the two budwood facilities. Additionally, one of the parent plant houses has been damaged. The station also suffered 100% damage to its commercial crops and lost the packing she.

Staff have been alerted, and officers are assessing crop damage, which appears to be severe in areas such as Portland and St. Mary, with damage exceeding 80%. Bodles reported total crop loss. One daily paid worker tragically lost his house to a candle fire. The Banana Board office is without electricity, and while there has been minor damage to windows and plumbing, these issues are being addressed as part of the ongoing recovery efforts.

Most greenhouses in the major producing areas have been destroyed.

Their water production systems were unaffected. However, fallen trees and branches impacted the conveyance systems. The area of St. Elizabeth is still being assessed, but communication issues have delayed the relay of information. The Essex Valley Agriculture Development Project's solar system sustained damage, with approximately 3% of the solar panels affected and fencing and light poles down. Water production systems across the NIC operations will remain non-operational until power is restored. Detailed evaluations are ongoing, and costs will be ascribed as assessments continue.

Grace Foods in St. Elizabeth has closed due to extensive infrastructure damage. Deliveries will be accepted once cleanup activities are completed, and farmers will be advised accordingly.

These are filled with rubble, and some boats are reported damaged, with extensive loss of fishing equipment. Communication across parishes remains extremely difficult, with reports of blocked roads due to fallen trees and poles.

The Ministry's team has already begun clearing debris and fallen trees, working diligently to restore facilities to their original state. The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is now conducting field investigations to determine the impact of hurricanes on agricultural activities.

The Ministry coordinates with local agencies and partners to ensure a comprehensive damage assessment and facilitate effective recovery and support for affected farmers, fishers, and facilities. The Ministry also reported that several trees have fallen on its compound, causing disruption. However, staff turnout was commendable despite the adverse conditions. The Ministry's central building retains power, water, and internet services. Flooding has been reported on several floors due to water seepage through windows.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green stated that the farmers and fishers are the nation's backbone, calling for resilience and solidarity as recovery efforts continue.