Over 2000 enthusiasts participate in backyard gardening project
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Over 2000 enthusiasts participate in backyard gardening project |
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Contact: Hinkson Butcher
Friday 14 January 2011 – The Ministry of Agriculture has begun 2011 on a positive footing. Year one of the Backyard Garden Competition being implemented by the department of agriculture has come to an end. As such the winners under the various categories have been selected. The competition which started just over a year ago saw over 2000 individuals participating in the first phase of the competition, after which approximately thirty three participants made it to the second round.
“We have four categories of persons for the programme, says Virnette James, Youth Extension Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture—householders, special needs students, families and community groups. All thirty three persons who entered into the 2nd phase will be given a package to continue their gardening.”
The Ministry is hoping to kick off year two of the competition come February 2011. Just like in the first year, extension officers will be available to provide technical advice and support. The Ministry of Agriculture is calling on Saint Lucians to give support to the programme by participating in the competition.
“No matter how small it is, you grow it, you’ll improve it—it is yours. It brings a pleasure and a joy when you can go into your own garden and harvest your peppers, your lettuce, your dasheen and your yam. You know it is wholesome, you know it is free of pesticides and it is a way of physical exercise,” James says. The programme is being sponsored by the European Union through the Food and Agricultural Organisation under an SFA Project called Promotion of Domestic Local Foods. |
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