Following the decline in the banana industry, St Vincent and the Grenadines has been focusing on diversifying its agricultural sector. Led by Minister Saboto Caesar, this initiative has involved collaboration with technical institutions and distributors globally to develop the sector and enhance market opportunities.
In February 2023, the country initiated a project to revitalize the dasheen industry, receiving strong support from producers and potential markets in the United States and Europe. This led to an increase in production and improvements in the industry's structure, including production, scheduling, and pricing. Following the success of the dasheen industry's upgrade, the hot pepper industry is also under review for further development.
Jai Rampersad, the FAO's Trade Development Specialist, conducted a market development mission to the United Kingdom and the United States in September 2023, coordinated with the assistance of Ms. Jinelle Adams from the St Vincent and the Grenadines High Commission.
Tropical Foods Wholesale and Distribution Ltd. in Croydon, London, is planning to expand its Caribbean product distribution, including fresh and value-added commodities from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The company's distribution network, which supplies over 180 retail stores and supermarket chains, as well as wholesale distributors throughout Europe and Africa, has identified a demand for Caribbean agricultural products, including dasheen, hot peppers, sweet potatoes, and avocados, among others. This initiative, set to start by September 2024, aims to provide significant market support for the agricultural production in St Vincent and the Grenadines and other OECS countries.
Source: stvincenttimes.com