Following the severe agricultural impacts of Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is issuing an urgent advisory to all farmers across Jamaica to prioritise proactive hurricane preparedness. With climate data indicating a consistent trend of stronger, more devastating storms, RADA emphasises that preparation before a system approaches is non-negotiable to safeguard crops, livestock, infrastructure, and financial investments.
“Every dollar spent on preparation before a storm decreases the likelihood of high replacement costs afterward,” noted the acting chief executive officer, Mr Garnet Edmondson. “Our primary goal is to minimise structural and production losses so our food systems can bounce back rapidly.”
To assist the farming community, RADA has outlined critical action steps that must be implemented immediately.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND FINANCIAL READINESS
RADA is encouraging farmers to develop comprehensive farm emergency plans and strengthen financial safeguards ahead of the peak hurricane period.
Farmers are advised to identify vulnerabilities in their properties, particularly in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, and wind damage. Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of crops, livestock and equipment is also critical.
The Authority recommends safeguarding land titles, receipts, insurance policies and farm records by storing them in waterproof containers or uploading digital copies to cloud-based platforms such as Google Drive or email.
Farmers are also encouraged to secure agricultural insurance coverage for crops, livestock and structures, maintain active registration with RADA, and establish emergency cash reserves sufficient to cover at least one month of operating expenses.
RADA noted that registered farmers receive priority access to official damage assessments, government recovery grants and subsidised agricultural inputs following disasters.
PROTECTING CROPS BEFORE A STORM
Among the crop protection measures outlined by the authority is adjusting planting schedules to avoid high-risk crops, such as bananas, plantains, and corn, during the peak hurricane months of August through October.
Farmers are also advised to harvest mature crops immediately once a storm warning is issued, prune fruit trees to less than 15 feet to reduce wind resistance, and secure field crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and corn through proper staking. Banana mats should also be tied down.
Clearing farm drains, diversion ditches and check dams is another key recommendation aimed at reducing flooding and soil erosion.
Operators of greenhouses and shade houses are urged to remove plastic coverings and netting before storms arrive, while sensitive plants should be laid flat and protected with secure plastic sheeting.
Additionally, seeds, fertilisers and pesticides should be stored in dry, leak-proof facilities elevated at least two feet above ground level. Farmers are also encouraged to take geo-tagged photographs of their farms to establish baseline records for insurance claims and disaster assistance applications.
HUMAN SAFETY MUST COME FIRST
While outlining measures to protect agricultural assets, RADA stressed that human life remains the highest priority during any weather event.
The Authority is reminding farmers and their families to remain indoors during storms, shelter in the safest interior areas of their homes, stay away from windows, disconnect electrical equipment and avoid taking refuge under trees.
Farmers are strongly advised not to venture outside to inspect fields or animals until the official all-clear has been issued.
RADA is also calling on farmers to report all agricultural losses to their nearest parish office within 72 hours of a storm. The authority said timely reporting is essential for inclusion in official damage assessments and eligibility for government recovery grants.
To maintain situational awareness, the agricultural community is encouraged to closely monitor weather updates from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, tune in to credible media channels for official alerts, and utilise the comprehensive emergency resources available at all local RADA parish offices.
The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is Jamaica’s chief agricultural extension agency.