HARDWARE & Lumber Limited (H&L) has announced a $25-million commitment to support Jamaica’s national recovery effort following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl.

A substantial portion of this pledge, $15.3 million, will be dedicated to providing essential agricultural inputs to farmers whose livelihoods were severely affected by the storm.

The $15.3-million agricultural input contribution, made through H&L Agro, the company’s agricultural division, encompasses a wide range of inputs – that is, vegetable seeds, pesticides, and other critical supplies carefully selected to address the specific needs of farmers impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

This support aims to help farmers replant crops, protect their remaining yields, and restore their livelihoods as quickly as possible.

Speaking at the handover ceremony Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green said, “I knew that H&L Agro would be one of the first, in fact, the first to step up. These inputs include vegetable seeds and pesticides, among other crucial materials. This contribution is timely and well thought out, as our vegetable crops took a significant hit, resulting in massive losses.”

In the meantime, Olive Downer Walsh, deputy CEO of H&L Group and general manager of H&L Agro said, “The H&L family stands in solidarity with all Jamaicans during this challenging period. We understand the widespread impact of the hurricane and the urgent need for support across various sectors.

“This contribution reflects our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our nation and its people, particularly those in the agricultural sector who play a crucial role in our food security and economic stability.”

Just under $10 million of the pledge will be strategically allocated to support broader national recovery efforts, including initiatives focused on critical infrastructure repair, rebuilding damaged communities, and revitalising the Jamaican economy in the wake of the hurricane’s impact.

On Tuesday, Green told Parliament that the hurricane’s wrath spared little in the agricultural sector, with approximately 23,040 hectares of farmland being affected, almost 49,000 farmers impacted, and the loss of approximately 323,000 animals to include small ruminants, poultry, and cattle.

“Madam Speaker, the up-to-date assessments put the financial loss to the agriculture sector at $4.73 billion,” said Green.

“The challenges are formidable, but this Government’s commitment to the recovery and food security remains unwavering,” added Green as he outlined a raft of measures to be implemented.

“We are compiling a comprehensive list of the farmers and fishers whose households have been most significantly damaged, major or complete loss to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for support and intervention. Additionally, we have asked our mining stakeholders to help us to focus on providing support for reconstruction for some of the farmers or fishers houses that have been destroyed. Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM) has committed $20 million to this effort,” said Green.

He said to drive the immediate recovery of the sector the Government has allocated $700 million to provide various forms of short-term assistance.

According to Green, this initial tranche will be used to purchase critical items urgently needed and will be disbursed through a number of State agencies.