Agricultural Ministry and Taiwan Cooperation Turns Compost Waste into Opportunity

Saint Lucia’s ongoing pursuit of sustainability and agricultural innovation has received a major boost with the commissioning of a new compost house at the Bordelais Correctional Facility (BCF). The initiative, spearheaded by the Taiwan Technical Mission and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, is transforming the way organic waste is managed within the facility while contributing to national food security goals.

The compost house forms part of the second phase of the project which seeks to reduce food wastage, promote sustainable farming practices, and improve agricultural productivity.

Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Lucia, Her Excellency Nicole Su, reaffirmed her government’s steadfast support for initiatives that build capacity, foster innovation, and empower individuals through skills development. “It is my pleasure to join you today for the opening of the compost shed. This event highlights our ongoing collaboration to build capacity, promote sustainability, and support recovery efforts. Over the past two years, the Taiwan Technical Mission has worked with the facility to provide vocational training, including a soap-making workshop that equipped residents with the skills and resources to produce soap independently. This new composting initiative continues that effort, empowering residents with practical skills that foster creativity, self-reliance, and confidence,” added H.E Nicloe Su.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, Hon. Alfred Prospere, commended the initiative as a tangible example of how partnership and innovation can drive progress in Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector. “Today is a very important day for me because whenever I speak about something that contributes to food security, I am always excited. Here we are again, benefiting from the Seven Crops Program, sponsored by the Government and People of Taiwan through the Taiwan Technical Mission. The program, valued at 10 million Eastern Caribbean dollars and running from 2022 to 2026, has done wonders for our agricultural sector in areas such as training, farm support, inputs, and other critical assistance to our farmers,” noted Minister Prospere.

The establishment of the compost house symbolizes progress in sustainable waste management and agricultural innovation. It stands as a model of how strong partnerships and modern approaches can turn waste into opportunity supporting food production, empowering communities, and advancing Saint Lucia’s path toward a more sustainable future.