GraceKennedy makes J$10-million donation to St Elizabeth farming sector

GraceKennedy Ltd (GKL) has announced a J$10-million donation aimed at strengthening agricultural resilience in St Elizabeth and surrounding communities, following the impact of Hurricane Beryl. As part of this commitment, GKL will donate J$6.25 million to cover 50 per cent of the cost for a new generator at the National Irrigation Commission’s (NIC) pumping station in Hounslow, St Elizabeth. The remaining 50 per cent of the funding will be provided by NIC, in an effort to support continued agricultural productivity in the area, a release outlined.

The new generator will benefit 360 farmers who rely on NIC’s pumping plants in Hounslow and its surrounding districts, including Ridge Penn, Mountainside, Bethany, Newell, Downs Valley, and Watchwell. Additionally, the pumping station facilitates water trucking to other communities in Southern St Elizabeth, thereby expanding the impact of this contribution to a broader farming network. The investment will also benefit GraceKennedy’s Hounslow factory, a key contributor to the local economy.

In line with its support for the agricultural sector, GKL will also provide essential agricultural inputs, including seedlings, mulch, fertiliser, and irrigation hoses valued at J$3.5 million to further support farmers in the Hounslow region. This assistance aims to enhance local crop production and mitigate future risks brought on by natural disasters.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony at the NIC Hounslow plant on November 1, Gail Moss-Solomon, general counsel and chief corporate secretary, GKL, and chair of GK’s Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Committee, said, “These initiatives demonstrate GraceKennedy’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience, particularly for communities that are most vulnerable to climate challenges. By partnering with the National Irrigation Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture to support Hounslow’s agricultural infrastructure, we aim to provide our farmers with the tools they need to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of severe weather events.”

Frank James, CEO, GK Foods - Domestic, commented, “As a leading food and beverage company, with many of our inputs coming from our local farmers, GraceKennedy is deeply committed to supporting the agricultural sector. By investing in infrastructure and providing direct assistance to farmers, we hope to alleviate the challenges faced by our farming communities and ensure a sustainable food supply for Jamaica. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to empower farmers and promote agricultural best practices across the island.”

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Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green, in accepting the donation, said, “This significant donation is one of the largest single contributions we have received to date in support of our Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts. We are grateful to GraceKennedy for this contribution and their long-standing presence in the community of South St Elizabeth. The amount is significant, but also how the contribution is structured, with the donation of the agricultural inputs and monetary contribution towards the generator, is very welcome. The generator, in particular, will help our farmers to get back up and running quickly, in the event of a natural disaster.”

He added, “This contribution is a part of a larger effort by the Ministry of Agriculture. Approximately J$1.4 billion has been allocated to drive the recovery effort across Jamaica and a lot of that is going towards St Elizabeth, with 4,000 farmers so far benefitting from support.”

GraceKennedy continues to play an active role in agricultural resilience through its Weather Protect insurance product offered by GK General Insurance (GKGI), and designed specifically for farmers facing climate-related challenges. GK also supports Jamaica’s farming community through small business loans offered by First Global Bank (FGB) and tailored to meet the needs of local farmers. Together, these initiatives highlight GraceKennedy’s commitment to the sustainability and long-term growth of the agricultural sector, and its broader ESG goals of environmental stewardship and community investment.