The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development, in partnership with the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), recently concluded an aquaponics training program aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture practices and food security in Saint Lucia. Approximately 50 participants successfully completed the program and were awarded certificates of completion at a graduation ceremony.

The aquaponics training program, led by technical experts from Taiwan ICDF, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the sustainable and symbiotic method of farming that combines aquaculture and hydroponics. The program covered the basic principles, benefits, and practical applications of aquaponics.

The program has left a lasting impact on the agriculture sector in Saint Lucia, with the Ambassador of the Republic of China Taiwan to Saint Lucia H.E. Peter Chia-yen Chen announcing that a technical manual has been produced to preserve the resource and lessons learnt, ensuring that the essence of the workshop is accessible to the public online.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, Hon. Alfred Prospere, expressed his satisfaction with the program and highlighted the importance of sustainable agriculture practices in ensuring food security and promoting economic development. He also thanked Taiwan ICDF for their support and collaboration, noting that the partnership between the two entities has yielded numerous benefits for the agriculture sector in Saint Lucia.

“We have to move in other directions to diversify our sector and aquaponics is a critical aspect of agriculture, it is a simple system. It can be placed in any backyard and it reminds me of our single women and our unemployed youth taking advantage of an opportunity in the agriculture sector that can impact their livelihoods and can cause them to make money,” said Hon. Alfred Prospere.

The aquaponics training program provided participants with the knowledge and skills to implement innovative agricultural practices in their communities. The Ministry of Agriculture looks forward to continuing its partnership with sector agencies to promote sustainable agriculture practices throughout the island.