Agriculture Ministry Outlines Initiatives for 2008
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Contact: Julita Peter
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 – Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Hon. Ezekiel Joseph says his ministry is ready to set the wheels in motion for the development of the agricultural industry.
Minister Joseph says, notwithstanding the many challenges in 2007, the industry recorded several achievements, and is looking forward to undertaking other initiatives in meeting its goals for the new year.
“In the last quarter of this financial year, in addition to ongoing programmes, a number of other programmes where commitment has been given shall commence. With the EU assisted Special Framework of Assistance (SFA) 2001, we shall see the commencement of a pilot project to control praedial larceny in the Mabouya and Roseau Valleys. We shall also see a number of farm roads being refurbished all over the island,” Mr. Joseph said.
St. Lucian farmers who meet the criteria of the Oxfarm Project, will also receive assistance over the next five months. Oxfarm International is a global non-governmental organization, established to provide a package of cash and production kits to farmers in St. Lucia and Dominica—two of the Eastern Caribbean countries severely affected by Hurricane Dean in 2007.
With the possible increase in the price of banana boxes this year, the Minister for Agriculture says the ministry will address the situation by exploring the possibility of increasing the present level of assistance.
Fishermen who were affected by the passage of Hurricane Dean, will also receive assistance to repair their vessels, while structural works will be undertaken on the Choiseul Fisheries Complex.
The Village of Anse- La -Raye is also down to benefit from the construction of a fisheries complex.
As 2008 unfolds, the Ministry of Agriculture will also be implementing recommendations by the International Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), with regards to the internal structure of the Ministry. |
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