The purpose of this forum is to discuss ways in ways OECS member-states can diversify their agricultural output to ensure food security. Saint Lucia’s very own Sunita Daniel, Export Saint Lucia’s CEO, will be attending on behalf of the island. Increasing efforts from the government have been targeted towards agro-processing, to decrease the reliance on imported foodstuffs.

 “Export Saint Lucia has had tremendous success in diversifying the export base in recent years, and although there is still a reliance on bananas for export revenue, we have built up other agricultural products which have had significant economic impact, such as seamoss,” Daniel told SNO. The development of the nation’s seamoss exports is not lost on her. “Saint Lucia is currently one of the leading exporters of seamoss in the world and Saint Lucia seamoss is now synonymous with the best of the world. We have invested in other areas such as honey and cocoa.”

 What is needed, she disclosed, is more investment from the private sector. Governments across the region have been asking the private sector to play their part in ensuring not only the development of agriculture but also sports and the youth. Currently, there is a concerted effort to ensure the private sector is involved with various government programmes.

 “The panel I will be part of will be looking at the role of the private sector in agricultural development with a specific focus on agricultural investments. At the FAST forum the panel will be sharing those experiences in the OECS with the audience as well as potential for growth in other agricultural products in the OECS member states,” Export Saint Lucia’s CEO said.

 Just this week, Saint Lucia received a donation from the Republic of China, Taiwan for the sustainable development of agro-processing. Many factories have been built on island for the processing of crops like mushrooms and seamoss.