American Friends of Jamaica Supports Agricultural Recovery

ST. CATHERINE, Jamaica — The American Friends of Jamaica has handed over 247,517 packets of vegetable, herb and flower seeds to Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining.

This donation is valued at about US$750,000 and intended to support the island’s agricultural recovery after Hurricane Melissa.

The seeds will play an important role in boosting food security on the island.

The donation was presented during a ceremony at Bodles Research Station. It is among the largest in-kind contributions coordinated by American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ).

The seeds were donated by the U.S.-based organic gardening company Back to the Roots. They are completing the required quarantine and testing process.

Afterward, the seeds will be distributed through the ministry and its partners to farmers, schools and communities across Jamaica to enhance national food security efforts.

Priority will be given to the hardest-hit areas, members of the Jamaica Organic Agriculture Movement and schools participating in the Jamaica 4-H Programme. Notably, these targeted groups are essential for strengthening Jamaica’s food security after the hurricane.

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green said the donation is part of Jamaica’s broader recovery effort. He noted it comes as targeted initiatives have helped drive the country’s highest first-quarter vegetable production on record.

“Recovery is a journey. It’s not a single activity. It’s a series of ongoing efforts, and this handover is part of that journey,” Green said.

“This support will go a long way in boosting local food production, enhancing livelihoods and building greater resilience in our agricultural sector.”

Supporting Jamaica’s Long-term Development

AFJ Executive Director Caron Chung said the donation reflects the organization’s commitment to creating lasting impact through partnerships that strengthen communities and support Jamaica’s long-term development.

“These seeds represent far more than packets on a table,” Chung said.

“They represent tomatoes and peppers on a family table, herbs in a school nutrition program, vegetables in the markets and opportunities for farmers to increase production and improve their livelihoods. Most importantly, they represent hope.”

Chung said agriculture is closely aligned with AFJ’s mission. It helps advance sustainable development across Jamaica through investments in education, health care and economic opportunity. Ultimately, the goal is to create greater food security for all citizens.

“Agriculture sits at the heart of economic development because it nourishes families, creates jobs, supports rural communities and strengthens national resilience,” she said.

Strengthening Food Security

“Back to the Roots is honored to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts,” said Nikhil Arora and Alejandro Velez, co-founders of Back to the Roots.

“We’re grateful to Ayesha Curry for bringing this opportunity to our attention, and alongside our partners, we hope this seed donation helps strengthen food security and supports communities as they rebuild.”

For many small farmers, access to quality seed is one of the largest recurring investments each planting season. By reducing that cost, the donation should help farmers invest more in production. It should strengthen local food systems and build community resilience.