Agriculture Minister, Hon. Alfred Prospere thanks the two organisations for their unwavering support of the nation’s food sector. The Minister says the government will do all in its power to assist farmers in cultivating crops for Saint Lucia.

“It is with great pleasure that I serve not just as a witness to this historic moment, but as my capacity as minister, I pledge to do my very best to ensure that the anticipated benefits reach the intended beneficiaries - that is, the fishers and farmers of Saint Lucia,” the Agriculture Minister said.

Under a cooperation agreement, the government of Taiwan assigned a delegation of agricultural specialists in May 2007, to conduct an investigation on Agriculture in Saint Lucia. The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) was officially established in July 2007.

The Minister discloses one of the objectives of the government is to decrease the nation’s food import bill, which accounts for a significant amount of the country’s expenditure. “When I address you again, I will be in a better place to say, with assurance, that our target goal for 25% by 2025 is within reach and that we are seeing significant decreases in our staggering food import bill,” Prospere explained.

Discussions were held on the application of new renewable energy and climate-smart technologies for smallholder and commercial farming. The Minister says these modern initiatives will enhance the capacity of farmers here.

“Through this collaboration, we are also nurturing the growth of sustainable agriculture, which is crucial for our economies and our people. We will address the pressing challenges of our time, including climate change, food security and rural development,” Prospere said.