The Agriculture Ministry Addresses Exporter Challenges In International Trade

Exporters are now better equipped to address export challenges that hamper the international trade of plant produce. With the agenda to enable the smooth flow of international trade and equips exporters with the knowledge, compliance and regulatory tools needed to safeguard plant produce, the Plant Division hosted a workshop that served as a platform for exporters to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they may encounter and how to effectively manage them.

Senior Client Manager of Export Saint Lucia, Anthony John says the consultation is timely for their agency is responsible for boosting exports, reinforcing their commitment to equip exporters for evolving international market demands while upholding plant health and compliance standards.
“This deals here today with the exports of agricultural produce, both to the UK- EU market and the United States. These are very important markets for us as an agency to ensure that our clients, farmers, and exporters have the necessary information and knowledge that would impact their exports,” noted Senior Client Manager of Export Saint Lucia, Anthony John.

The workshop addressed specific requirements requested by importing countries, focusing on the conditions set forth by Saint Lucia farmers, which served as a guideline for exporters to meet the expectations of importing nations and ensure compliance with stringent plant health standards.
According to Chief Plant Health Officer Hannah Romain, the division’s role is to stay informed about the traceability systems being implemented by various countries. She highlights that the discussion on a pilot program, evaluating the effectiveness of the traceability system, offered exporters valuable insights and opportunities for enhancing product integrity throughout the supply chain.

“We have seen over the years post Brexit several changes to the regulations for plant health and we have had some challenges where we have had consignment being detained in the UK for several reasons, because of perhaps changes to the declarations, to the regulations…to ensure that they do understand what the changes are and how we can regulate some of the challenges that we have had to deal with over the years,” Chief Plant Health Officer Hannah Romain, Through the promotion of awareness of plant health requirements, facilitating knowledge exchange, and encouraging the adoption of traceability systems, the Division of Plant Research and Development aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the Agricultural Industry.