The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) has launched a joint taskforce aimed at assessing the damage done to the commodities sector by Hurricane Melissa.

JACRA which regulates Jamaica’s coffee, cocoa, coconut, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger, and pimento industries, notes that the task force will also determine the type of support needed by sector players.

The task force, which comprises key stakeholders from across the various commodity industries is conducting site visits and damage assessments in several affected parishes.

JACRA’s Acting Director General, Wayne Hunter explained that the objective is to gather accurate data on crop losses, infrastructure damage, and the immediate needs of farmers and processors to support recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

He said the initiative underscores the Authority’s commitment to ensuring a coordinated response.

Mr. Hunter noted that findings from the taskforce will help inform the Agency’s recommendations to the Agriculture Ministry regarding sectoral support, as well as guide future disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies within the regulated industries.

The Authority is also reiterating the need for farmers to remain in contact with their local representatives to report damage and seek guidance on available assistance programmes.