Egg sector recovering after Melissa, no import waiver, says Agriculture Ministry

The Ministry of Agriculture is reporting that the egg production sector is demonstrating recovery following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The Ministry is also underscoring that there is no ongoing importation of eggs, as the temporary waiver officially ended on February 28.

It noted that no new import permits have been issued since December 2025.

It stated that this reflects its deliberate approach to managing supply, based on direct assurances from industry stakeholders that local egg production had sufficiently rebounded following recent climatic disruptions.

“Temporary import measures are not intended to undermine domestic agriculture, but rather to support market stability in times of genuine need,” the Agriculture Ministry said.

It added that, with the sector now demonstrating recovery, the focus is on strengthening domestic production, improving resilience, and continuing targeted support to farmers.

“The Ministry encourages continued collaboration across the sector to ensure that Jamaica’s egg industry remains strong and capable of meeting national demand.”

The Ministry noted that the temporary decision to facilitate egg imports through a duty waiver was made at the request of the Jamaica Egg Farmers’ Association, as the sector sought to stabilise supply during a period of significant disruption.

According to the Ministry, more than 60 per cent of the eggs imported under that arrangement were brought in by local egg producers themselves, “underscoring that the measure was both industry-driven and industry-utilised, highlighting the role of the industry in addressing short-term supply gaps.”

The Agriculture Ministry said it continues to take a balanced approach that safeguards both consumer access and affordability, as well as the long-term viability of local production.

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