Agriculture Minister Alfred Prospere explained that the program, which was initially launched for banana and plantain farmers, was funded through a $1 million allocation from Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and developed in partnership with insurance provider GraceKennedy.

The focus on banana farmers came from their heightened vulnerability to natural disasters, especially wind damage during the hurricane season.

“We want to continue to provide coverage to the entire sector. But it cannot be the sole effort of the government to provide the funds.”

He stressed the importance of shared responsibility, suggesting that farmers could contribute a small portion of their earnings from sales to markets, hotels, and the marketing board to strengthen the programme’s sustainability.

“If we are saying to them that we want you to work with us to improve our food production and ensure that we are food secure, we must provide them with the level of support they need,” he noted.

Under the scheme, if a natural disaster strikes, damage will be assessed and the insurance company will compensate the government, which will then distribute funds to affected farmers. Prospere said this approach ensures timely assistance without placing an undue burden on national resources.

With an estimated 5,000 farmers across the island, the ministry hopes that wider participation will allow the program to be expanded to cover more agricultural sub-sectors, offering stronger resilience against the growing threats posed by climate change.