Locals Trained for Global Competition on the Agricultural Market

Contact: Dana Augustin

Monday, July 10, 2000 - Officers attached to the Saint  Lucia Bureau of Standards from Monday, July 10, are participating in a three-day training programme, geared towards improving the quality of fresh produce trade on the island.

This initiative is part of a wider project entitled “Quality Control and Inspection for Increased Competitiveness of Fresh Produce Trade in the Windward Islands” which endeavours to create a more diversified agricultural market. 

The training programme is a joint effort of the Government of Saint Lucia, the Caribbean Regional Human Resource Development Programme for Economic Competitiveness (CEPEC) and the Inter – American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).   The programme is focused on increasing the participation of all stakeholders in the diversification process and will provide     exporters and growers with information on the implementation of a quality inspection system for the island.  CEPEC representative Melvin Edwards noted that there is great potential in the project.  “We feel that the Windwards, as the stronger agricultural producers, have a good fighting chance to compete on the market.  CEPEC feels that this project could be a winner.”   

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dr. James Fletcher called for more cooperation on a regional scale, from both the public and private sector, in undertaking the groundwork that will make the project a success.  He said no amount of government legislation  will ensure that the product reaches the market place.  “What we have to do is really work more at making people understand what it is they are supposed to do.  I think that there is no need for an Act or legislation because people will realize that the money that goes into their pocket is directly related to how they relate to whatever enterprise they are involved in.” 

Dr. Fletcher also stressed the need to modernize the agricultural sector and increase the technical assistance given to farmers.  He suggested that this was a factor in improving the quality of production for export and for developing agro entrepreneurship that will help to reduce the island’s food import bill.  In that regard government continues to give grant assistance to relevant organizations engaged in the production of fresh agricultural produce for the market.

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