Sub-Project between WUSC and MOA

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development Partners with WUSC for Enhanced Pest and Disease Control in Caribbean Agriculture.

Sealing a dynamic collaboration, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development hosted a signing ceremony on August 8, 2023, marking a significant partnership with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) to drive forward a sub-project dedicated to sustainable agriculture. The heart of this collaborative effort is the focus on improving agricultural practices, specifically targeting pest and disease control, while also emphasizing the involvement of women and youth in enhancing the growth of vegetables and root crops.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development, Barrymore Felicien, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to providing technical expertise, coordination, and capacity-building for stakeholders, particularly producers. Felicien underlined the significance of this collaboration, citing its potential to generate tangible benefits for farmers and individuals involved in capacity-building efforts.

This collaboration is important as the real gains for farmers and persons who are building their capacity in managing pests and diseases. We know that diseases and pests particularly affect your productivity, your yield, and the quality and standard of crop that you can use and bring to market hence, this is an aim to improve the standard of produce the capacity of the farmers, the yield of the farmers, the income of the farmers, and build on enlightening.

Country Coordinator for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) of the SAC Project, Nadia Pacquette-Anselm says “this initiative is a crucial component of Canada’s Caribbean Regional Development Program, exemplifying Canada’s commitment to fostering socio-economic development, climate resilience, and food security in Saint Lucia and across the wider Caribbean region.” She also highlighted the critical role of collaborative partnerships in driving progress beyond conventional practices, leading to the adoption of innovative research, climate-resilient techniques and technology in the agricultural sector.

By capitalizing on inert expertise, which is within the Ministry for extension support services, we are trusting that we can empower these groups within the agricultural market systems, to focus on sustainable climate resilient agriculture. We aim of course to enhance equitable access to food services, knowledge for this partnership and the participation in this initiative. We entrust that through this initiative, we will improve farmers’ ability to manage pests and diseases leading to higher yields, and improved product quality. We also trust that through this initiative, there will be a shift to focus on why environmentally, sustainable and friendly pests and disease control methods do contribute to the sustainability and resilience of Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector.

This collaboration between the agriculture ministry and WUSC Caribbean signals a united effort towards achieving sustainable agriculture, elevating food security, and advancing economic well-being across the Caribbean. As this partnership takes root, it is anticipated to yield far-reaching benefits, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and prosperous agricultural landscape.