This paper presents a new micromechanical model for the prediction of the tensile modulus and strength of natural fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites. The model addresses issues linked to the statistical variation inherent in fibre reinforcements extracted from plants. The new model introduces a fibre area correction factor (FACF). Modulus and strength are estimated and compared to experimental data for a jute-epoxy composite. The predictions of tensile modulus and strength using the FACF show improvements over those from other micromechanical models presented in the literature.