Page 15 - Agric Info Mag 01 2017

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Once a nation is
The Food and Agri- problem that threat- products of law- identified it is encour-
cultural Organization ens ocean ecosys- abiding Fisher folks aged to take correc-
of the United Nations tems and sustainable and seafood indus- tive action; failing to
has initiated the proc- fisheries. tries globally. comply could result in
ess to assist the gov- IUU fishing under- IUU products often that nation being is-
ernment of St. Vin- mines domestic and come from fisheries sued a negative certi-
cent and the Grena- international conser- lacking the strong fication further result-
dines in combating vation and manage- and effective conser- ing in imports of fish-
Illegal Unreported ment efforts. vation and manage- eries products being
and Unregulated ment measures re- prohibited from that
(IUU) fishing. It also distorts legal quired for interna- nation.
markets an unfairly
IUU fishing is a global tional compliance.
competes with the
Minister with responsibility for Fisher-
ies, Hon Saboto Caesar gave the as-
surance that :

“We (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
are in the process of ensuring that we
put the requisite structures in place to
ensure that we have compliance with
our international obligations.”
L-R: Minister of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry and Fisheries, Hon.
Saboto Caesar and FAO Legal Officer, Pio Manoa

With improved connectivity in Minister Caesar said that the
the construction and operation establishment of this institu- productivity.
of the Argyle International Air- tion has been a central pillar Land banks ensure that
port and the increase in de- of the government of St. Vin- properties returned to pro-
mand for our agricultural com- cent and the Grenadines. ductive use are planned
modities there is a correspond- for in a coordinated man-
ing increase in the demand for The land bank is expected to ner.
arable lands for agricultural operate as a registry to pro-
production here in St. Vincent vide a facility for persons who
and the Grenadines. are interested in agriculture to
access information about the
As a possible solution, Minister possibility of purchasing or
of Agriculture, Hon. Saboto ad- leasing land so that they can
dressed the issue of the estab- increase their production and
lishment of a land bank.