The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development and the Taiwan and Technical Mission have officially launched phase two of the Enhancement of Efficiency in the Production-Distribution Supply Chain of the Fruit and Vegetable Sector Project.

The Efficiency in the Production-Distribution Supply Chain of the Fruit and Vegetable Sector Project, also known as the Seven Crops Project, has seen an increase in production of the selected seven crops, as well as the establishment of stable markets for farmers and the introduction of new technologies, all with the goal of lowering Saint Lucia’s food import bill. The collaborative initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwan Technical Mission, now in its second phase, will expand to include crops other than the original seven, such as sweet corn, squash, zucchini, and sugar apple.

Ambassador of the Republic of China Taiwan to Saint Lucia, H.E. Peter Chia-yen Chen, notes that the combined efforts of the governments of Taiwan and Saint Lucia over the next five years intend to significantly grow and develop Saint Lucia’s agriculture sector, benefiting Saint Lucian families.

“When the second phase of the project moves forward, we expect to help diversify food production, strengthen the sales and marketing food mechanism, and to bolster resilience of the agriculture sector. Taiwan and Saint Lucia are both island countries bound to the negative impacts of climate change that’s why we have long partnered with each other to strengthen local capacity, which is not only the crucial industry for development, but also the key element to address climate issues. Last but not least, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the excellent work and great achievement of all stakeholders involved in the first phase of the project.” 

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development, Hon. Alfred Prospere, expressed gratitude to the government and people of Taiwan, for their continued support in growing Saint Lucia’s agriculture industry.

While the mandate of the project remains the same, Minister Prospere stated that phase two of the initiative will focus on providing production assistance to stakeholders and farmers, with a primary focus on market access and marketing.

 “In the original phase much emphasis was placed on production but in this phase, although production will be featured the key areas of focus will be on mechanization to reduce the cost of production adding value through agro-processing, market access, and marketing. There is an urgent need for reliable markets to dispose of the farm produce. We are aware of this market constraint and seek to provide some remedy to this challenge. We look forward to continued success under this project to help our farmers recognize better rewards and revenues”…

Recognizing the project’s success to date, Minister Prospere reaffirmed the Government of Saint Lucia’s commitment to continue working closely with the Taiwan Technical Mission to develop Saint Lucia’s agriculture sector.