Agricultural expo promotes food safety

The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Supply and Rural Development, recently held the 2024 Agri-Expo to celebrate the positive advancements in the local agricultural sector over the past two years.

The all-day agricultural expo was held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Constitution Park in Castries with the theme “Leading the Agricultural Revolution” and featured booths showcasing fresh produce and value-added products. In addition, small machinery, irrigation systems and trellis demonstrations were also on display. Student entrepreneurs from Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School and Stanley Jon Odlum Memorial Secondary School also showcased their creative culinary talents.

The event allowed visitors to learn about the results of years of collaboration between the Taiwan Technical Delegation and the Saint Lucia Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Supply and Rural Development, as well as other stakeholders such as the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the World University Services of Canada (WUSC), the Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB), and the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards (SLBS).

In his brief opening remarks, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, His Excellency Chen Chia-yen, said the exhibitions, demonstrations and presentations at the show showcased various innovations that are shaping the future of agriculture.

“Each innovation represents a step forward in our joint efforts to build a more sustainable, resilient, and secure food system,” said Ambassador Chen. “To achieve this goal, we cannot forget the leadership of Minister Prospere. His efforts to boost agricultural production in Saint Lucia are commendable, and we sincerely thank him for his steadfast support for bilateral agricultural projects. I would also like to thank Minister Frederick for his support for all projects between Taiwan and Saint Lucia, from community development to agricultural industries.”

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, Alfred Prospere, said the government’s goal to increase local production of the project’s selected crops and reduce the island’s high food import bill remains a priority. He further said that reducing food imports by 25% by 2025 is an integral part of the project and the government will continue to support crop growers, livestock growers and agro-processors.

“This expo is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all participants in the Seven Crops Project,” said His Excellency Prospere. “From agro-processors to farmers, government officials to technical experts, your contributions are invaluable. I sincerely thank each and every one of you for your unwavering commitment to this cause.”

He added: “We are extremely grateful for the continued help from the people of Taiwan. The support they provide through the Taiwan Technical Mission is the cornerstone of our success. Their expertise and resources allow us to implement cutting-edge practices and technologies that are transforming our agricultural landscape.”

Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Local Government Richard Frederick also delivered a speech at the ceremony. He said that Taiwan’s support for Saint Lucia’s socio-economic development over the years has covered all areas, including information and communications, agriculture, and a number of social programs.

“The impact, kindness and goodwill of the Taiwanese people have been felt in every constituency in this country, and they have helped us without complaint,” said Congressman Frederick.

In January 2022, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of Saint Lucia began implementing the second phase of the “Improving the Production and Sales Supply Chain Efficiency of Saint Lucia’s Fruit and Vegetable Industry” plan, also known as the “Seven Production Plan”, which will last for five years and is scheduled to end in 2026. It aims to promote diversified production and strengthen the sales and marketing mechanism of local agricultural products.