6 days ago
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Caribbean Chemicals & Agencies Jamaica Limited is urging farmers in eastern Jamaica to intensify production and adopt more efficient practices in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated agricultural zones, with heaviest damage in central and western Jamaica.
The company, which deals in agricultural inputs and crop care, says the eastern region presents a unique opportunity to offset losses in the west and build resilience in the sector.
“The eastern side of the island grows several produce that was produced in the west, but not at the same intensity level,” said Managing Director of Caribbean Chemicals Jamaica, Graham Dunkley. “We’re focused on helping farmers upgrade their productivity on the land they already have. It’s not about planting 10 more acres—it’s about getting more from the one acre they already farm.”
Dunkley said the company is deploying its agronomy team to support farmers with technical advice, free of charge, and is working with government agencies to ensure seed availability and distribution.
“We’ve already started conversations with Plant Quarantine in the Ministry of Agriculture, to pull seed inventory from our sister companies in the Caribbean,” he said. “That’s faster than waiting on origin sources, and it’s part of our plan to get Jamaica growing again — quickly and efficiently,” Dunkley said.
Caribbean Chemicals Jamaica is a member of Caribbean Chemicals and Agencies Limited, CCAL, a Trinidad-based provider of agricultural inputs since 1966. The group operates across Caricom, with hubs in Trinidad and Jamaica. Caribbean Chemicals Jamaica was formed in 2015 after acquiring ACIM and rebranded in 2021 to reflect its Caribbean-wide identity.
Today, Caribbean Chemicals is a top provider of agricultural inputs in Jamaica, including seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, gardenware, and veterinary products. It is also the sole formulator of pesticides in Jamaica and Caricom, and the regional distributor of the Vape mosquito control line.
“We’ve been through numerous hurricanes across the region. We know how to battle a storm,” said CCAL Managing Director Joe Pires. “But the real challenge is the aftermath — how do we help farmers who’ve lost their fields, their homes, and their livelihoods get back on their feet?”
Pires said Caribbean Chemicals has 100 staff in Jamaica, including 25 agronomists who provide field support and advice to farmers. “We’re not just selling products. We’re solving problems. That’s how we’ve built our reputation over 60 years,” he said.
The company’s post-Melissa recovery plan includes upskilling farmers in the east to improve productivity, accelerating seed distribution from regional partners, and supporting farmers in the west who are already replanting.
Dunkley said his company is underwriting the cost of deploying its agronomy team and providing credit support to farm store retailers whose infrastructure was damaged.
“We’re looking at about $300 million in credit out there on the road,” he said. “And just for the agronomists alone, we’re investing about $50 million over the next six months.”
The company is also offering interest-free loans to employees who lost their homes, including one staff member currently sleeping in a company van.
“We can’t rebuild an entire house, but we can help them start,” said Dunkley. “This is about putting Caribbean people first.”
Under the drive towards more sustainable agricultural practices, Jamaica recently exported a container to the Cayman Islands, thanks to new varieties and greener chemicals introduced by the company. Now, Caribbean Chemicals is working with the Ministry of Agriculture to reduce onion imports and eventually make Jamaica a net exporter.
“We’re looking at what’s next — maybe broccoli, maybe something else,” said Pires. “Whatever the ministry decides, we’ll support it.”
As the country begins to rebuild after Hurricane Melissa, which hit Jamaica on October 28, Caribbean Chemicals is positioning itself not just as a supplier, but also as a partner.
“We’re putting our shoulders to the wheel,” said Dunkley. “Eastern Jamaica has the potential to be a powerhouse of efficient farming. We’re here to help make that happen,” he said.
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