Disaster Response Jamaica Project #72910

Melissa Response: Farms & Food Security

by Blue Atlas

Project Report | Mar 3, 2026
Blue Atlas Project: Jamaica Recovery & Resilience

By Kali L Kirkendall | Executive Director

Blue Atlas Project: Jamaica Recovery & Resilience Update

Over the past several months, our work in Jamaica has continued to move forward—sometimes steadily, sometimes slowly, but always with purpose.

Our roof repair and water catchment installations is still underway. While progress was delayed by domestic material backorders and extended wait times to move supplies off the dock, these challenges are now behind us, fingers crossed. We are deeply honored to be able to support farmers in Westmoreland with two of the most basic and essential needs for recovery: dry shelter and reliable access to water for both personal and farm use.

Scaling Up Local Agriculture (SULA) Grants

Following our last update, Blue Atlas focused on fundraising for our Scaling Up Local Agriculture (SULA) Grant. Applications opened at the end of January and officially closed on February 28th. The response from farmers, cooperatives, and community-based producers was both inspiring and humbling.

Through this round of funding, we have helped rebuild two greenhouses, repair a hydroponics farm that also serves as a community and school training center, and support a farming association that provides seedlings to a large network of farmers and regularly donates planting materials to the wider community. Their outreach model reflects a deep commitment to shared success.

We have also been able to work with an apiary producing a diverse line of raw, natural products beyond honey, her work is grounded in health and community. And Mr. Gatwood, a farmer representing an agricultural association who is already rebuilding his greenhouse in Westoreland and has applied for inputs to resume production as quickly as possible. Reading these applications and working directly with each partner is one of the most rewarding parts of my work, ensuring funds reach exactly where they were intended, and providing guidance where we can.

Community, Recovery, and Reality

Many aspects of our work in Jamaica continue to reflect a deep sense of community. Things often move on island time, but people consistently show up for one another, even when resources are scarce.

It has been barely five months since the storm, and recovery is still very much ongoing. Families are repairing shelters and debris remains piled high in many areas. While St. Elizabeth has long been known as the breadbasket of Jamaica, the compounded impacts of recent storms mean it may be a long road before agricultural production returns to previous levels.

Looking Ahead: Aquaculture & Regional Support

We are excited to share that the first aquaponics farm in Westmoreland is coming soon, a meaningful step toward climate-resilient food production in the parish. We are working with funding partners to secure support to help reach all ultimate goals.

Through our partnership with the Caribbean Aquaculture Education and Innovation Hub, Blue Atlas has sponsored the purchase of essential tools and equipment to support the next phase of their Youth in Aquaculture Initiative, including hands-on training and farm visits this spring. These tools will continue to be of use to seaweed demonstrations and aquaculture trainings alike.

At the same time, we are working with additional partners to support East Coast producers, helping them scale production and fill supply gaps while St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland continue rebuilding.

With FarmUp Jamaica, we are exploring a nationwide initiative to install tool hubs at centrally located training farms across six parishes, spanning the length of the island. These chosen farm hubs practice regenerative farming and offer support and guidance to other farmers in the area. Our next funding target for this effort is $48,000, designated for a tractor, supporting equipment, oversight and logistics to six parishes.

With Gratitude

There is still so much work ahead, but none of this would be possible without your support. Thank you for standing with us as we work alongside extraordinary farmers, educators, and innovators who are not only rebuilding, but designing solutions that can scale, adapt, and endure.

Kali Kirkendall
Executive Director, Blue Atlas Project

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Jan 7, 2026
Jamaica Update: Rebuilding Today, Strengthening Wh

By Kali L Kirkendall | Executive Director

roof repair

Hello friends,

I wanted to share a focused update on our work in Jamaica, where Blue Atlas Project continues to support communities moving from disaster recovery toward longer-term resilience.

In December, I spent time on the ground in Jamaica with our partners, reconnecting with farmers and community members who are still rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa. While the most urgent emergency response has passed, many families are still working to restore the basics that allow them to live and farm safely.

Our immediate priority has been roof repair paired with guttering and water catchment systems, with a focus on farming households so that water access directly supports both homes and food production. Working with FarmUp Jamaica and hiring local crews, we have allocated $5,000 to repair 10 roofs, each with a full water catchment system at an average cost of $500 per home. This work is currently underway, with additional homes already identified and scheduled over the next 4–6 weeks.

Alongside this effort, we are actively working with two farming associations in Jamaica. One association has lost their greenhouse which provided seeds and plants for for farming families, helping stabilize operations as they slowly get back underway. The second association is one we are currently partnering with through our SULA Grant program.

Through this partnership, Blue Atlas Project has provided a $5,000 SULA Grant to support the construction of an aquaponics tank system for an impacted farmer in Westmoreland. This initial investment helps the farmer begin rebuilding with a more resilient, water-efficient system. However, for the operation to be financially sustainable, the association is seeking funding to build not one, but two aquaponics tanks and greenhouse with deep water systems. The full project budget is $25,000, with $5,000 already in place, and additional funding needed to complete the system in a way that supports long-term viability and income generation.

We also continue to support greenhouse repair and recovery for seed saving, plant propagation, and farmer training. These spaces are critical for maintaining local seed stock and ensuring farmers have access to the resources and knowledge needed to adapt to changing climate conditions. One of the farms we are working with also partners closely with schools, offering field trips and hands-on learning opportunities for students while providing training for farmers across the region.

In addition, we are moving forward with the Seaweed Demonstration and Research Project in partnership with regional and local organizations, including the Alligator Head Foundation. This initiative supports applied research, best practices, and capacity-building within Jamaica’s growing aquaculture community. The project received a $7,000 grant from the Foundation for Sustainable Innovations, and Blue Atlas Project will be sending a total $7,500 to the Alligator Head Foundation by the end of January. Together, this funding will support completion of the project by the end of Q1.

Across all of this work, our current funding goal for Jamaica is approximately $50,000. This would allow us to continue roof and water system repairs, support sustainable farming infrastructure, complete the aquaponics expansion, and advance aquaculture research that strengthens coastal and farming communities alike.

Thank you for being part of this work. Your support allows us to stay engaged beyond the initial response phase and invest in solutions that help communities rebuild in ways that are stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable than before.

With appreciation,
Kali Kirkendall
Executive Director
Blue Atlas Project

remnants of a community greenhouse

finished roof

Dec. photo of destruction, debris and cleanup

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