Find Agriculture expertise in St Vincent and The Grenadines
- Industry
- Development
Industry
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries contributed over 7% of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ GDP in 2010 and, as of 2009, 25.6% of land is used in agriculture. There is some subsistence farming in the country but the main agricultural activity is in banana production which constitutes the principal export crop. Other important crops and livestock are coconuts, arrowroot, flowers, sweet potatoes, spices and small numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and fish. Plantains and sweet potatoes are exported to Trinidad and Tobago and other regional markets, with other exports going to European markets. The St Vincent Banana Growers Association is an important body in the country, as is the Windward Island Farmers’ Association (WINFA) which is a member of the Fairtrade initiative. The Ministry of Agriculture, Industry, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation oversees the sector in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Development
As a member of the fair-trade initiative WINFA receives a Fairtrade premium which is money dedicated to investment in the Windward Islands. In addition to a number of community projects the money has been spent on improvement of transport infrastructure which was designed to provide banana farmers with better access to their fields. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) runs the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) which conducts agricultural research and development in the region. The principal focus of CARDI’s work in the country is on the development of roots and tubers, particularly on the production and pest and disease management of sweet potatoes and cassava. St Vincent and the Grenadines is also playing an important role in developing under-cover and protected agriculture for vegetable growing in the region. In addition the country is involved in research and development into hot pepper production and development in banana fertigation and productivity.
| Agriculture organisations in St Vincent and The Grenadines | |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries |
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