For us, Jamaica isn’t just a place on a map - it’s part of our orchard’s heartbeat.

The Campbell’s Orchards has long welcomed workers from outside Canada that are instrumental in the success of our orchard and farm market. For much of the past decade, we’ve been fortunate to work with skilled field workers from Jamaica, who return each year to help us plant, grow, and bring in the harvest.

Our lead farm worker, Sean, has spent nine growing seasons with us, returning home to the hills of Jamaica each winter to work his own small farm. Peter, also from Jamaica joined us a few years ago, as well as Ramsey who is from Jamaica, but now lives locally.

Last winter, several members of our team travelled to Jamaica to see the island our friends had always told us about. We wanted to experience the land, the food, the culture — all the things they spoke about with such pride. And it was everything they promised and more.

While tourism is a major part of Jamaica’s economy (oh those beaches!), the soul of the country lives in its small farms.

Most farms are tiny - 85% are less than 10 acres - run by smallholder farmers who preserve Jamaica’s food traditions and support rural communities.

And now, those same farmers are hurting.

Hurricane Melissa caused nearly J$30 billion in agricultural losses and affected more than 70,000 farmers, particularly in key food-producing parishes. Crops, livestock, and essential farm infrastructure were wiped out.

We want to help these farmers rebuild - the same communities that raised the men who help us grow and harvest here every year.

These farmers are part of our extended agricultural family. With your help, we can support them as they work to recover and begin again.

How Your Support Helps:

1. Restoring fields: Seeds, fertilizer, and tools to replant.

2. Replacing livestock: Helping families recover chickens, goats, or pigs lost in the storm.

3. Rebuilding infrastructure: Farm roads, irrigation systems, and greenhouses.

4. Direct relief: Providing financial support so farmers can address their most urgent needs.

Please help us help our friends.

THEY HARVEST WITH US - NOW LET'S STAND WITH THEM!

The organizations that we are working with are:

Friends of Jamaica, Inc. - a registered nonprofit and official affiliate of the National Peace Corps Association.

United Way of Jamaica, in collaboration with the Government and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining; the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), and others.