For Portlanders every drop counts

WITH drought continuing to place pressure on farmers and water resources across Jamaica, the Desnoes and Geddes Foundation, the charitable arm of Red Stripe, has donated 300 repurposed water drums through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to support 75 farmers in Portland. The initiative is designed to help farmers strengthen their water storage capacity as prolonged dry conditions continue to impact agricultural production. By providing an additional means of capturing and storing water, the donation will help beneficiaries better manage their farming operations during periods of reduced rainfall.

For the agricultural sector, the effects of prolonged dry weather extend directly to farm operations. Insufficient rainfall can disrupt planting schedules, increase the difficulty of maintaining crops and place pressure on farmers who depend on regular access to water throughout the production cycle. Portland is home to a network of small farmers producing crops for local markets, including vegetables and other agricultural produce.

The 75 beneficiaries each received an average of four drums, giving them additional capacity to collect and store water for use across their farms. The drums can be incorporated into existing farming practices, allowing farmers to retain water when it becomes available and use it when needed for crop maintenance. This provides greater flexibility in managing day-to-day agricultural activities during periods when rainfall is unpredictable.

“We recognise the pressure [the drought] places on farmers, whose livelihoods depend heavily on reliable access to water. At Red Stripe, we believe that in challenging times, it is important to show up for the communities that serve us,” said Daika Mitchell, communications and sustainability manager at Red Stripe. “We are proud to partner with RADA to ensure this support reaches farmers who need it.

We stand with them, and this donation is one way we can provide meaningful support when it matters most,” added Mitchell. She said the initiative also reflects Red Stripe’s commitment to sustainability by repurposing drums for agricultural use, advancing a more circular approach to resource management while supporting local farmers. RADA is facilitating the distribution of the drums as part of its ongoing engagement with farmers in Portland.

Through its extension services, the agency wor…