The scientists at the US department of agriculture report that soil moisture has improved since May, but with the most active months of the hurricane season yet to come and a mild El Niño not having much effect yet, hopes are for more rain.

The last dry season in Cuba from November 2001-April 2002 was abnormally dry leaving citrus producers in need of rain. Rains were late starting in May and have lagged behind ever since. And with temperatures running at normal to slightly above normal for the time of year, periodic dryness has been accentuated. This is likely to be beneficial for citrus. Most plantations are irrigated and the dry weather will aid harvesting as the season gets under way this month.

In the Dominican Republic most producers have access to irrigation. But declining wells and reservoirs after several years of low rainfall are a cause for concern, especially given the country's recent efforts to diversify away from such a reliance on bananas in its fresh produce export portfolio to grow avocados, melons and coconuts.

Meanwhile floods in Jamaica in May and June are drying up thanks to the recent dry spell allowing much needed repairs to infrastructure. No direct impact on the main export crops of bananas, mangoes, papayas, citrus and avocados is reported, although more rainfall will be required before the hurricane season ends in November.

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