Minister Jawahir Unveils Bold Green Revolution to Transform Agriculture at Budget Presentation

Castries, Saint Lucia – The Honourable Lisa Jawahir, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Sustainable Development, has unveiled a bold and transformative national plan for agriculture during her contribution to the 2026/2027 Budget Presentation on Friday, April 24, 2026. 

In a compelling address, Minister Jawahir positioned agriculture and fisheries at the center of Saint Lucia’s economic future, outlining a clear pathway toward food security, reduced import dependence, and expanded opportunities for farmers, fishers, and agri-entrepreneurs. 

Minister Jawahir, underscored the importance of strengthening Saint Lucia’s food security agenda, stating:
“The year 2026–2027 marks a defining period in Saint Lucia’s journey toward food security, economic resilience, and national self-reliance. In an era shaped by global uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and rising food costs, our mandate is clear: we must produce more of what we consume, strengthen our agricultural systems, and empower our people to participate meaningfully in building a sustainable future,”

The Minister introduced a comprehensive national framework anchored in a vision to build a modern, climate-resilient, inclusive, and productive agriculture and fisheries sector that Minister Jawahir Unveils Bold Green Revolution to Transform Agriculture at Budget Presentation guarantees food security for all, reduces the food import bill, and expands economic opportunity across every community. At the heart of this vision is a 10-Pillar Green Revolution Plan, designed to drive agricultural transformation across Saint Lucia:

1. Innovation and Technology – modernizing agriculture through digital platforms and smart farming
2. Climate Resilience – strengthening water security, soil management, and adaptive systems
3. Banana and Plantain Revitalization – protecting and modernizing a vital industry
4. Fisheries Infrastructure – upgrading facilities to improve productivity and safety
5. Blue Economy Expansion – building a sustainable and climate-resilient fisheries sector
6. Livestock Expansion – increasing domestic meat production, including a national abattoir
7. Crop Expansion – scaling high-value crops, root crops, and tree crops
8. Food Production Enhancement – boosting national output and agro-processing
9. Youth and Women Inclusion – ensuring equitable participation across value chains
10. Import Substitution – reducing dependence on imported food

Minister Jawahir emphasized, “These pillars are not standalone initiatives—they are interconnected drivers of a broader national mission: Food Security for All. No One Left Behind.” The Minister outlined priority actions including expanding acreage under cultivation, increasing livestock and fisheries production, strengthening agro-processing capacity, modernizing extension services, and building climate resilience across vulnerable communities. She also highlighted the role of digital transformation, human capital development, and market access in ensuring that agriculture becomes not only productive, but profitable. 

Reflecting on the broader national effort required, Minister Jawahir called on all Saint Lucians to play an active role in reshaping the country’s food systems. “This budget is more than a financial plan—it is a national call to action. Reducing our food import bill and strengthening local production does not begin and end with the Ministry—it begins in every household, every community, and every purchasing decision. When we choose local, we invest in our people, our economy, and our future.” 

She reaffirmed her commitment to leading a people-centered transformation that positions agriculture and fisheries as engines of growth, resilience, and national pride. “As Minister, I remain committed to leading this transformation with purpose, innovation, and inclusivity. Together, we will reposition agriculture and fisheries as engines of growth, pillars of resilience, and sources of national pride.” The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Sustainable Development will continue to engage stakeholders and advance the implementation of initiatives outlined during the Budget Presentation.