What impact did Hurricane Melissa have on Jamaica's egg industry?

Hurricane Melissa severely damaged layer houses, leading to a sharp reduction in egg production across Jamaica.

How is CB Group responding to the hurricane damage?

CB Group is investing nearly $1 billion to rebuild egg and pork production with new climate-controlled infrastructure and a recruitment drive for contract growers.

What is the strategy for rebuilding Jamaica's agricultural sector?

The strategy involves expanding contract farming with modern, climate-smart facilities using tunnel ventilation to ensure resilience against extreme weather and boost output.

Home / Business and Economy / Jamaica Rebuilds After Hurricane: Egg & Pork Industry Gets $1B Boost

Jamaica Rebuilds After Hurricane: Egg & Pork Industry Gets $1B Boost

23 Apr

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Summary

Hurricane Melissa severely damaged Jamaica's egg production facilities.
CB Group is investing nearly $1 billion to rebuild egg and pork operations.
New climate-controlled farms will use tunnel ventilation for weather resilience.

Hurricane Melissa inflicted significant damage on Jamaica's egg industry, destroying layer houses and drastically reducing output, though large broiler farms remained largely intact. Livestock farming, including pigs, also faced widespread disruption in the hardest-hit areas. In response, CB Group has initiated a substantial investment of nearly $1 billion. This capital infusion is earmarked for establishing new infrastructure and expanding its recruitment drive to bring new growers into modern, climate-controlled production methods.

The company's strategy centers on expanding contract farming within an integrated model. Through its 'The Time Is Now' campaign, CB Group is actively seeking landowners and entrepreneurs to invest in and operate advanced, climate-smart facilities. These new operations will feature tunnel-ventilated systems designed for resilience against extreme weather, improved efficiency, and increased output. Upcoming projects include a 40,000-layer egg farm and a 640-sow breeding facility, with downstream infrastructure like an egg-packaging and liquid egg-processing plant also planned.