The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development continues its goal of increasing food security awareness and sensitization of the need for local consumption, this time through a Seamoss Fiesta.

World Food Day commemorates the date of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945, with the goal of raising global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger, as well as the need to ensure healthy diets for all.

To commemorate this day, the Agriculture Ministry will host a Seamoss Fiesta with the theme “Leave No One Behind Better Production, Better Nutrition, and a Better Environment for All”.

The event aims to encourage a shift in public habits towards an increase in the use of more locally grown crops such as seamless by allowing people to view and purchase a variety of value-added sea moss products.

Coordinator of the World Food Day Activities within the Ministry of Agriculture, Phillip Sydney explains that the ministry’s strategy to address food security is critical at this time, as we continue to realize an increasing food import bill. He emphasizes that sea moss remains a valuable product in Saint Lucia that can help improve food and nutrition security.

 “It’s another initiative ensuring that Saint Lucian’s consuming more of what is produced locally. Our mantra is to be at fresh Saint Lucia’s best, and so this year the department of Fisheries has focused on the production of sea moss. So there are some major areas that are growing sea moss in Saint Lucia, we have Praslin for many years, and Savannnes bay so we have identified farmers and producers around the island, and invited them in that Sea moss Fiesta to be held at Fond D’or park in Dennery,  to display the many derivatives that can be derived from sea moss production”

The event will feature approximately 20 sea moss processors, farmers, and schools displaying products such as sea moss drinks, gel, ice cream, supplement, powder, and spa products, as well as the launch of the Ministry of Agriculture’s very own sea moss catalogue.

According to Mr. Sydney, the event promises to be a fun family day with activities for adults and children. The public is encouraged to come out in large numbers to partake in the Sea moss Fiesta which will take place on Sunday, the 16th of October 2022 at Fond D’or, as the agriculture ministry works to increase Saint Lucia’s food and nutrition security.