The agriculture sector saw real value-added growth in the April to June quarter but is projected to see reduced output in the July to September period, due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica, Dr. Wayne Henry reported the preliminary projections at a press conference this morning.

Dr. Henry noted that the sector’s real value-added growth for the April/June period was an estimated 2.7%.

This out-turn, he explained, primarily reflected the impact of more favorable weather conditions, which contributed to an increase in output per hectare, and a 2.4% expansion in domestic crops reaped.

Meanwhile, Dr. Henry noted that a downturn in output levels for the agriculture sector is expected for the July/September quarter. 

This is because short-term prospects for the overall economic outlook are negative, largely due to the adverse impact of Hurricane Beryl on production activity.

Dr. Henry said due to the extensive damage in some of the main agricultural producing areas, a return to positive performance in the industry may not be recorded until 2025/2026.