Now that Hurricane Melissa has moved out of the region, farmers there are starting to assess the incredible losses that they are experiencing from the devastating storm. I have not seen many actual numbers yet because it takes time to do a complete assessment of the losses, as we know from our own experiences with storms like Michael and Helene. However, initial stories on social media indicate that many farms have been completely wiped out, a tragic loss in an area where farmers rely on a single crop to provide their yearly income. I have noticed a number of comments on Facebook about loss of food for bees and the need to supplement their food if they are to survive the loss of their nutrition supplies and be available to pollinate future crops.
Some of the initial thoughts on the damage to agriculture, especially in western Jamaica where Melissa passed directly over the region with winds of up to 160 mph and torrential rains. The damage (based on this Google summary) includes:
Widespread Crop Destruction: Thousands of acres of crops were severely damaged or destroyed. This included major cash crops and staple foods like yams, bananas, plantains, coffee, cocoa, maize, cassava, and vegetables. The storm essentially wiped out farmlands, with one farmer estimating over $1 million in personal losses.
Livestock Losses: Farm animals were injured or killed by the storm’s effects, such as a cow injured by a fallen tree or lost rams and goats.
Infrastructure Damage: The hurricane destroyed agricultural infrastructure, including greenhouses, storage facilities, and roads, which hampered market access and relief efforts.
Food Insecurity and Price Hikes: The extensive damage to local food supplies is expected to cause significant food shortages and sharp price increases for staple goods, a situation potentially lasting for months or even a year, similar to the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. In Haiti, this exacerbated an already existing hunger crisis.
Long-Term Livelihood Threats: The destruction presented a major financial and emotional toll on farmers, many of whom rely on a single annual harvest for their income. Some farmers are now considering a shift from crop cultivation to more resilient animal husbandry practices in response to recurring storm damage.
Here are three articles written ahead of Melissa’s landfall describing what the farmers in Jamaica and Cuba expected from the storm:
Miami Herald: ‘I’m going to lose everything’: Jamaica farmers dread approach of Hurricane Melissa
Expana Markets: Jamaican Farmers Brace for Potentially Destructive Hurricane Melissa
ACAPS–CUBA: Anticipated impacts of Hurricane Melissa
