Agriculture

"Planting seeds of innovation, cultivating dreams of prosperity. Together, we grow a future rooted in abundance and sustainability."

Ms. Makeda Greene
Agriculture

Background

St. Vincent and the Grenadines boasts a rich agrarian and fishing culture, evidenced by the well-established agricultural sector and fishing activities. Agriculture, fisheries, and forestry together employ approximately 12% of the labour force, serving as the primary occupation in rural areas. These sectors play a crucial role in the country's food and nutrition security, with agriculture being a significant component of trade, catering to both regional markets and international markets in North America and Europe. The changing landscape in agriculture, marked by the loss of the United Kingdom market for the primary crop, has led to a shift in focus towards alternative commodities as farmers adapt to evolving market dynamics. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry, and Labour is fully aware of the sector's potential and the myriad opportunities available for increasing contributions to GDP, employment, trade, and food and nutrition security. A comprehensive approach underscores the agriculture sector's commitment to holistic development, sustainability, and continual empowerment.

Vision

To sustainably transform the agricultural landscape in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, by empowering the youth to become key drivers of a resilient and prosperous agricultural economy. 

Mission

We are committed to equipping the youth with the necessary skills and resources to foster innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic sustainability in the agriculture sector, thereby contributing to the overall socio-economic growth of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

Objectives

1. To build capacity in the latest farming technologies, research, innovation, sustainable practices, branding, and financial literacy.
2. To advocate for access to local, regional, and international markets.
3. To alter the perception and address the cultural barrier by promoting agriculture as a way of life.
4. To collaborate with the government by advocating for policy reform to promote youth participation in agriculture.
5. To foster greater information sharing and collaboration amongst the different stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
6. Advocate for a comprehensive and sustainable plan toward national food and nutrition security.

Scope of Service:

The specific objectives are as follows:

Conduct, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders (Ministry of Agriculture, AIW, Bureau of Standards etc.) an Agriculture Sector readiness assessment for the development of the Agriculture Sector in line with regional and international best practices and frameworks, determine the most sustainable and effective approach for the implementation of recommendations to drive the sector within St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

1. The assessment should include an evaluation of the level of education as it relates to farming and the ability to manage finances.
2. The assessment should assess current plans for food security, the value chain, cultural barriers and perceptions within the sector.
3. The assessment should provide guidance to enhance agriculture in the education system and relationships with agro-processors.
4. The assessment should provide a plan for an end-to-end system agriculture system that provides financing, input support, labour support and markets etc.