Page 6 - Agric Info Newsletter 02 2017
P. 6
The Ministry of Agriculture has taken the Agri- will be paid for by the pound and not by the
Export Strategy Initiative to another level. sack so that they can be compensated for the
exact weight.
This Initiative is a systematic approach in reducing
the food import bill of St. Vincent and the Grena- Representative of the OECS Commission
dines by increasing the nation’s export to traditional Solita Daniel expressed on behalf of the
regional markets in Trinidad and Tobago and Barba- OECS their continued support for the project.
dos and expanding to extra-regional and international She also stressed on the importance in de-
markets.
creasing the food import bill throughout the
Minister of Agriculture Hon. Saboto Caesar said that OECS and the creation of wealth within the
one of the central aspects of the Agri-Export Strategy Agricultural sector, ensuring sustainable live-
Initiative is the quest to establish an intra-regional lihood for our farmers.
trade platform to reduce the food import bill of the She noted that under the Agricultural Plan of
OECS.
Action for the OECS which was developed
He added that central to the Agri-Export Strategy by the OECS Commission we realized that
Initiative firstly, was the reduction of our Food Im- we must decrease the OECS food import bill.
port Bill through a systematic process whereby im- But also create wealth in the Agricultural
port substitution was to play a very critical part, sec- sectors.
ondly and also of first importance to the AESI was Farmers should also be rich and should also
our quest to increase our exports to trade regional be wealthy and this is one of the areas in
markets in Trinidad and Tobago and also in Barba- which we see that we can build markets and
dos.
farmers can really make a sustainable living
in Agriculture.
Meanwhile trade among the islands of the
region will be facilitated through a maritime
transportation system including vessels such
as the MV Sea Rambler, the MVC American
Liberty and the Iron Cat.
President of Global Shipping Oliver Seraphin
indicated that Global Shipping having heard
Dasheen in drying area before being boxed the cry for small shipping within the region
using boats that have quality, capacity and
He also reminded farmers of the importance of pro- the possibility of refrigeration embarked
ducing quality goods for exports. He indicated that upon seeking investor partners towards the
our farmers must appreciate the fact that quality is of development of shipping maritime activity
paramount importance in the market place. within the region.
Minister Caesar noted that there are several issues Presently in Trinidad and Tobago Bunny Im-
which must be addressed that our farmers have ports and Exports Limited which mainly con-
waited a long time for, for example where produce sists of wholesale distribution, processing
