Florida sugarcane farmers donate $25,000 for Jamaica hurricane relief

Florida Sugarcane Farmers, the industry group representing U.S. Sugar, Florida Crystals Corporation, and the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, announced Wednesday a joint $25,000 contribution to Catholic Relief Services to support Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts in Jamaica.

The donation comes as communities across the island deal with widespread damage, power outages, and growing humanitarian needs after the storm’s destructive landfall.

CRS, one of the world’s leading international relief organizations, has deployed emergency teams to Jamaica to assess the hardest-hit areas, distribute food and shelter supplies, and collaborate with local partners to stabilize families facing immediate hardship. The organization has decades of experience responding to hurricanes and flooding across the Caribbean.

“As a Florida farming company, we understand the devastation a major storm can bring to families and communities,” said Brannan Thomas, Community Relations Director for U.S. Sugar. “Our hearts are with the people of Jamaica, and we are proud to help support the on-the-ground relief work being carried out as they work toward bringing life back to normal.”

Florida Crystals emphasized the deep personal ties many South Florida agricultural families have with Jamaica and the broader Caribbean.

“Many of our farming families and employees have deep ties to the Caribbean, including Jamaica,” said Caroline Villanueva, South Florida External Affairs Director for Florida Crystals. “We are committed to lending a helping hand to our neighbors in their time of need and supporting organizations that deliver real aid where it’s needed most.”

The Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida echoed that message, highlighting the region’s shared experience with hurricanes.

“Florida’s sugarcane industry has always been about community and resilience,” said Renee Pirtle, Chief Financial Officer and community relations representative for the cooperative. “Just as we work together here in Florida to recover from storms, we stand with the Jamaican people as they rebuild and restore their communities.”

CRS President and CEO Sean Callahan said the financial support will help accelerate emergency operations already underway on the island. “We are grateful for the generosity of Florida’s sugarcane farmers, whose support will help us deliver lifesaving assistance to families in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa,” Callahan said. “Partnerships like this make it possible for us to respond quickly and effectively when disaster strikes.”

Florida Sugarcane Farmers said the industry remains committed to community support at home and abroad. The group represents more than 19,000 jobs and contributes roughly $4.7 billion annually to Florida’s economy.

CRS is accepting additional donations for the Hurricane Melissa response on its website.