The Jamaican government has launched a significant recovery initiative for the nation’s crippled egg production sector with a $30 million investment aimed at rebuilding agricultural infrastructure devastated by consecutive hurricanes. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green announced the funding commitment during a Founders’ Weekend ceremony at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland on January 31.
The substantial financial allocation will specifically support the reconstruction of CASE’s hatchery facilities and the establishment of a new pullet house, critical infrastructure components for restoring Jamaica’s layer chicken population. Minister Green revealed the devastating impact of recent natural disasters, noting that Hurricane Beryl in 2024 eliminated approximately 40,000 birds, while Hurricane Melissa in October 2025 caused catastrophic losses exceeding 400,000 birds—representing over 40% of the country’s entire egg industry.
This agricultural crisis has dramatically reversed Jamaica’s longstanding self-sufficiency in egg production, with consecutive weather emergencies creating unprecedented challenges for poultry farmers. The minister emphasized that strategic capacity building and enhanced resilience have become imperative for national food security.
Collaboration with major broiler companies has already secured commitments for approximately 300,000 new pullets by May/June, with CASE positioned to contribute 60,000 birds through the revitalized program. Minister Green highlighted the strategic importance of geographic diversification, noting that northern coastal parishes like Portland offer more favorable conditions for agricultural resilience given recent storm patterns affecting Jamaica’s southern regions.
Founded in 1910, CASE stands as Jamaica’s premier institution for advanced agricultural education and will serve as the cornerstone for rebuilding the essential sector through targeted investment and strategic planning.