Florida Sugarcane Farmers Support Hurricane Melissa Relief Efforts in Jamaica Through Charitable Giving

South Florida - Florida Sugarcane Farmers, an industry organization representing U.S. Sugar, Florida Crystals Corporation, and the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, today announced a joint contribution of $25,000 to support Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in Jamaica.

The funds will be directed to Catholic Relief Services (CRS), a respected global humanitarian organization with extensive disaster response operations in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean. CRS has deployed teams to Jamaica to assess urgent needs, distribute emergency food and shelter supplies, and coordinate with local partners to help families begin recovery.

“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.”

“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.”

“Florida’s sugarcane industry has always been about community and resilience,” said Renee Pirtle, Chief Financial Officer and community relations representative of the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida. “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.”

Founded in 1943, Catholic Relief Services is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian agencies, providing emergency assistance, sustainable development, and health services in more than 100 countries. In Jamaica, CRS has a long history of supporting disaster preparedness and response efforts in partnership with the local Catholic Church, helping vulnerable families recover from hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters. To join our relief efforts, please consider donating at the following link: https://www.crs.org/donate/hurricane-melissa?ms=agicrs0226hcm00fea00

“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,” said Sean Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services. “Partnerships like this make it possible for us to respond quickly and effectively when disaster strikes.”

About Florida Sugarcane Farmers

Florida’s sugarcane farming industry provides more than 19,000 jobs and contributes over $4.7 billion annually to the state’s economy, supplying roughly half of all domestically grown sugar. The industry remains committed to the stewardship of Florida’s natural resources, having achieved a 57 percent average annual reduction in phosphorus in the water flowing south of its farming area since 1996. For more information about the economic and environmental contributions made by Florida Sugarcane Farmers, please visit https://www.floridasugarcanefarmers.org.

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