Jamaica’s poultry industry has incurred staggering losses estimated at $2 billion following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The storm, which struck several western parishes, resulted in the loss of over 1.2 million birds, including 780,000 broilers and 458,000 layer birds. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green described the hurricane as the most catastrophic event ever faced by the country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors, despite extensive preparatory measures. The Ministry of Agriculture has swiftly transitioned into recovery mode, prioritizing livestock rehabilitation, particularly backyard poultry farming. An initial $40 million has been allocated to support small farmers with chicks, feed, and infrastructure. Additionally, the government has introduced a moratorium on lease payments for farmers within agro-parks to alleviate financial strain. Major producers Caribbean Broilers (CB) and Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) have assured consumers of stable chicken supply, leveraging their unaffected central parish operations, which account for 62% of national production. While smaller farmers in western parishes face significant challenges, industry leaders emphasize that the overall poultry supply remains secure. Recovery efforts include distributing over 400,000 baby chicks and rebuilding coops for affected farmers. Despite the setbacks, Jamaica’s poultry sector is poised for a gradual rebound, supported by coordinated relief initiatives and strategic interventions.