Initial assessments show that Hurricane Melissa caused near 100% loss across JP Farms' banana and plantain crops.
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Prince Moore reports
Jamaica's largest banana and plantain producer, JP Farms, has reported almost complete destruction of its St. Mary operations following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
This is the second straight year of major hurricane-related damage suffered by the company.
Initial assessments show that Hurricane Melissa caused an estimated near 100% loss across the company's banana and plantain farms.
Although St. Mary avoided a direct hit, prolonged high winds from Melissa's outer bands flattened crops that were still recovering from Hurricane Beryl.
Despite the devastation, Pan Jamaica Group, parent company of JP Farms, has pledged to immediately invest in recovery efforts.
This follows a $250 million injection last year to restart production and restore profitability after Beryl's impact.
Pan Jamaica's Vice Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Hall said the company remains steadfast in its commitment to Jamaica's agricultural sector and to support families in the parish.
JP Farms has also committed to maintaining employment and benefits for its team during the low production recovery phase.
Meanwhile, General Manager Mario Figueroa shared that a test plot of wind-resistant banana plants developed in partnership with the Bodles Agriculture Research Station sustained less damage than traditional crops.
He said, while still affected, this confirms they are on the right path to adopting more resilient varieties.
JP Farms expects full recovery within six months, with its products returning to store shelves by mid-2026.
Despite the losses at JP Farms, Pan Jamaica Group says it expects to maintain strong overall profitability and preserve its solid balance sheet.
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