The Yaad and Garden Recovery Project
Rebuilding Jamaica’s Horticultural Sector After Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa left a level of devastation that many horticultural businesses across Jamaica were not prepared to face. The storm destroyed gardens, nurseries, small farms, community plots, and countless backyard operations that form the backbone of local food production, landscaping, and plant-based livelihoods. What was once a vibrant network of growers, vendors, and community gardeners now faces severe loss: ruined plant beds, damaged infrastructure, destroyed seedlings, contaminated soil, and the complete disappearance of tools and materials essential for daily operations.

The Yaad and Garden Recovery Project was created as a coordinated response to this crisis. Its mission is to restore the horticultural sector at the grassroots level by assisting small and medium growers who depend on their gardens not only for income, but for food security, education, and community support. Many of these individuals are the hidden contributors to Jamaica’s agricultural stability—supplying markets, beautifying public spaces, serving local schools, and providing training for youth and seniors. Without immediate intervention, a significant portion of this ecosystem risks long-term collapse.

This project aims to rebuild capacity across affected businesses by providing direct financial assistance, resources, and technical support. Funds raised will be allocated toward the restoration of damaged structures such as shade houses, seedling tunnels, potting sheds, propagation areas, and irrigation systems. Support will also include replacement of essential tools, soil amendments, seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, and protective equipment. In areas where entire gardens were washed out, the project will assist with land rehabilitation, soil recovery, drainage improvement, and replanting efforts.

Beyond physical reconstruction, the Yaad and Garden Recovery Project seeks to stabilize livelihoods. Many horticultural entrepreneurs—vendors, plant sellers, landscape growers, small nursery operators, and backyard producers—have lost their entire inventory and income stream. The project will help affected individuals re-establish production cycles so they can return to markets, restart contracts with clients, and restore the green spaces and food sources they once maintained. By supporting these businesses, the project indirectly strengthens the communities and families who rely on them.

The goal is not simply to replace what was lost, but to build greater resilience. Jamaica’s horticultural sector is vital to the country’s environmental well-being, cultural identity, food stability, and economic diversity. Recovery will require both immediate action and long-term planning. The funds raised through this initiative will contribute directly to rebuilding efforts and help ensure that growers are equipped to withstand future challenges.

The Yaad and Garden Recovery Project is committed to transparency, accountability, and community involvement. Every contribution supports the recovery of real people whose livelihoods depend on the land. By helping growers return to production, you are helping restore food independence, local commerce, environmental health, and the green spaces that shape daily life in Jamaica.

Your support makes this recovery possible. With collective effort, the horticultural community can rise from this disaster stronger, more resilient, and ready to cultivate new growth for the future.