To implement projects that support the priority policies and programmes of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Natural Resources and Cooperatives.

The unit was established in 2013 when the European Commission continued to show its commitment to help African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries including Saint Lucia to adapt to the effects of changes in the EU’s import regime. Within this context, the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) Programme was established as a follow-up to prior EU support and to increase the level of production and trade in the agricultural sector through improved product quality, value/supply chain efficiencies, adaptation to technologies and sound resources management.

The BAM support (10.35 million Euros) for Saint Lucia rested on four main pillars:

1. Expanding the value chain through an agri-business focus on product/services enhancement, and product/services and market development;
2. The enhancement of research and technology capability through the establishment of a national diagnostic facility to support the testing of new products, monitor established ones and provide diagnostic services for the private and public sector to complement the new model of agriculture growth.
3. Disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the agricultural sector through a better coordinated DRR framework and systems focused on pest management (Black sigatoka) and improved agricultural infrastructure, including roads and drainage.
4. Enabling the rural population particularly the youth, to tap into complete value chains that will generate sustainable livelihoods and create incomes.