Ministry of Agriculture Monitors Egg Supply Amid Hurricane Melissa Recovery

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is keeping a close watch on egg supply and market conditions as the sector continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

The ministry’s statement comes amid concerns from Mark Campbell, President of the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association (JEFA), who warned that ongoing egg importation, initially approved after the hurricane, could undermine the progress of local producers rebuilding their operations.

In a media release on Monday, the ministry emphasised that the economic well-being of Jamaican egg farmers remains a top priority. “All measures regarding egg importation are carefully monitored to ensure that both local producers and consumers are not disadvantaged,” the ministry said.

The challenges date back to Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which had already disrupted egg production. Post-Beryl recovery was slow, with supply failing to reach pre-hurricane levels. Hotels faced shortages, and supermarkets implemented purchase limits to manage reduced availability. Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28, 2025, further compounded the problem, resulting in the loss of approximately 400,000 laying hens and a significant drop in national output.

According to the ministry, post-Melissa assessments indicate that domestic egg supply fell by around 40 per cent, with recovery projected to take eight to twelve months. Production data for the first half of 2026 suggest output will remain 30-40 per cent below the five-year average. Monthly production is not expected to exceed 2025 levels until August 2026, when year-over-year gains are anticipated.

JEFA revised recommended prices following the hurricane: unbranded eggs increased from $550 to $670 per dozen, and branded eggs from $580 to $700 per dozen, citing reduced production and higher logistics and refrigeration costs.

To ease supply constraints and moderate prices, the ministry approved limited egg imports and secured a temporary waiver on import duty, stamp duty, and general consumption tax (GCT). Initially set to expire February 28, 2026, the waiver’s extension is now being sought until the end of May 2026, allowing the market to stabilize while local production recovers.

The ministry reiterated that these interventions are targeted, temporary, and monitored, with the goal of balancing consumer needs and supporting the resilience of Jamaica’s egg farmers.