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Local pineapple producers get high level attention

Contact: Frank Girard

Thursday 28 October 2010 –  A high-level delegation headed by Agriculture Minister, Ezechiel Joseph, yesterday addressed several pineapple producers at River Doree in Choiseul. The delegation also toured the Commercial Pineapple Production Demonstration Plot at River Doree being supervised by the Banana Industry Trust (BIT) and implemented by the Inter- American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Minister Ezechiel Joseph was quite pleased to meet the members of the recently-established Pineapple Producers Cooperative Society under the presidency of Mr. Ignatius Jean, himself a pineapple producer in Choiseul.

The minister applauded the achievements and formation of the Pineapple Producers Cooperative Society in Choiseul to show a reduction in pineapple imports and a making a positive impact on agricultural diversification in saint Lucia. Minister Joseph also noted the potential for greater pineapple cultivation and production.

The Pineapple producers were also invited by the ministerial delegation to discuss their plans and challenges by showing a greater commitment and appreciation to agriculture and operating as a business investment. The pineapple producers were also encouraged to pursue regular dialogue with Extension Advisor, Eloi Alexis and other ministry officials.

The Pineapple Producers also raised a few burning issues at yesterday’s meeting such as : The need for a Farm Roads Project in Choiseul,  A lower cost for pineapple plantlets, ministerial assistance to identify grant funding, bulk purchases of agricultural inputs, encouraging young farmers to engage in pineapple cultivation, greater collaboration between the extension service and farmers.

Members of the ministerial delegation included, Permanent Secretary, Hubert Emmanuel, Director Agricultural Service (DAS), Eden Compton, Acting Chief Extension Officer, Kemuel Jn Baptiste, Acting Communication Officer, Hinkson Butcher.

Executive members of the Pineapple Producers Cooperative Society in Choiseul are:  Vice President, Compton Francois, Secretary, Chad Maurice, Treasurer, Patsy William-Gustave and  Eloi Alexis as advisor.

Yesterday’s ministerial visit was productive and informative.

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