Caribbean islands committed increase agriculture production for exports

Four Caribbean islands have given a commitment to supporting efforts to increase their production of agricultural products for exportation.

The Governments of Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines made that commitment at a recently held meeting.

Last week over 50 stakeholders, government representatives and regional partners participated in the launch of a two-year regional cluster of projects on Promoting Windward Islands Food Production and Trade Corridor through National and Regional Value Chain

The discussions centered on the need for creating a collaborative environment that encouraged the growth and profitability potential for several commodities by building resilient, competitive, and sustainable value chains in each country.

The countries also emphasized the need to continue their support to achieve support to replace food imports and improve production to ensure greater export potential to domestic and foreign markets

This, according to a press statement was met by strong agreement and commitment from the Ministers of Agriculture and regional partners on their crucial role in ensuring the success of the initiative that is already under implementation.

Roland Royer, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy of the Commonwealth of Dominica endorsed the country’s participation in the initiative and noted that Dominica was ready to continue efforts in developing its value chains.

The countries commended FAO on this visionary initiative that would be catalytic in its results, with the full cooperation of governments and partners.