The staff of the Saint Lucia Marketing Board has officially graduated from the Ministry of Agriculture-led HACCP training course. This, as the Agriculture Ministry continues to work towards realizing HACCP compliant agri-food facilities on the island.

During Phase 1 of the Seven Crops Project, the packhouse at the Inland Reception and Distribution Centre in Odsan was remodeled to meet international standards. The packhouse is being regulated using the  Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification that identifies specific hazards and measures to ensure the safety of food.

According to the Chief of the Taiwan Technical Mission, Daniel Lee, this certification and training received by the staff further adds to the work being done at the packhouse to ensure that the output adheres to international health and safety standards and meets higher post-harvest processing requirements.

“Food security is the most important policy in Saint Lucia. The Taiwan Technical mission works with the ministry and other stakeholders to enhance the efficiency of the whole food value chain including enhancing the diversity, productivity and equality of crops, and post-harvesting processes, distribution, and marketing”

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development, Barrymore Felicien acknowledging the efforts of the Government of Taiwan encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge learnt when conducting daily operations as we continue to strive to increase our food security.

“It is inspiring knowing our employees are better equipped to deal with food safety practices and packhouse operations. The staff of the Saint Lucia marketing board will now be better placed to effectively operate the packhouse to make further progress on the vision to become the hub for fresh agricultural produce and increase market access for our agricultural farmers.”

The Ministry of Agriculture in its efforts to increase food safety and security will continue to work with the Taiwan Technical Mission and other sector agencies to ensure that the food being processed by the St Lucian Marketing Board is of regional and international standards.