Support to Agriculture Bearing Fruit

Support to Agriculture Bearing Fruit

With a focus on creating opportunities for generating income and employment in rural areas by expanding and diversifying production, the government has placed focus on identifying farmers to be producers of crops that are grown using greenhouse technology.

The move aims to reduce the seasonality of these crops. Selected farmers will be contracted with local hotels for the constant supply of fresh produce. This incentive as well as other training opportunities and benefits are expected to increase farming labour moving forward.

Increased Banana Production

Bananas have for decades been one of Saint Lucia’s primary exports. News that the industry was making a come-back, with production at an all time high in 2017 was an encouraging note for the sector that has over the years been fraught with challenges.

With the assistance of 10.3 million euro from the European Union, the Agricultural Transformation Programme of the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) project which commenced in May 2013 is expected to conclude during the 2018/19 financial year.

According to the island’s prime minister, this initiative seeks to improve the revenue generating potential of the rural sector and its contribution to economic growth. The aim is to increase productivity in the agricultural sector through entrepreneurship, innovative and technology-oriented approaches, agri-enterprise development, and quality standards and certification. The allocation for 2018/2019 is $3.0 million.

Increased Banana Exports

With the provision of fertiliser at fifty percent of the cost and other assistance provided to local farmers, the government hopes to sustain the increase in banana production on island. This is necessary to meet the demand for windward island bananas from major supermarket chains in London, France and other areas. With extension officers working closely with farmers and other industry stakeholders, the Ministry of Agriculture says thus far, progress in the industry is encouraging.

PPP with a Saint Lucian-Taiwanese Company for Agro-processing

Producing chocolates, juice and pulp from local ingredients daily, Paradise Foods is a food processing company jointly started by Saint Lucia and Taiwanese businessmen.

Taiwan Ambassador H.E. Douglas Shen and Agriculture Minister Hon. Ezechiel Joseph sign agreement

Notably, it is the first-ever private sector business venture between the two countries. With the development of value-added agricultural products (including chocolate, icecream and fruit juice), the facility anticipates the production of dried fruits. Products will be available at duty-free shops in Pointe Seraphine as well as local supermarkets and gas stations.

Double the Budget for Agriculture

Recognizing the importance of agriculture, particularly for creating employment, the government has significantly increased the island’s agricultural budget. The government’s investment in agriculture will continue with total expenditure under the Department of Agriculture budgeted at $47.92 million, of which $$26.8 million will be capital expenditure.

Commencement of Agricultural Transformation Project

Aiming to bring about a dynamic shift to the agricultural industry, the government of Saint Lucia has embarked on a project bent on transforming the sector. One of the components of initiative dubbed, the Agricultural Transformation Project, is the implementation of a three-year Banana Rehabilitation Program for which EC$13.8 million has been allocated in the 2017 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure. Thus far, Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Ezechiel Joseph says feedback for the project has been positive.

Insurance and Pensions for Farmers

this is so when they get to a ripe old age when they can no longer farm they, like all of us, will be entitled to a pension.”

The project aims to get farmers registered with the Caribbean Risk Insurance Facility Segregated Portfolio Company or CCRIF SPC. The project also intends to sensitize farmers on the benefits of having a pension plan with the NIC, according to facilitators, “this is so when they get to a ripe old age when they can no longer farm they, like all of us, will be entitled to a pension.” The initiative has been welcomed by local farmers.