NEW RESEARCH STRENGTENS SVG’S DASHEEN’S GLOBAL MARKET POSITION
Dasheen (Taro), a root crop, is gaining prominence as a key agricultural export. Valued for its versatility in dishes ranging from soups to snacks, it is seen as having strong potential in international markets.
However, in recent years, strict international regulations on chemical residues have significantly affected dasheen exports in key markets like the United Kingdom and France. Export restrictions have been placed on Ridomil, in particular, which is normally used as a co-service treatment for Dasheen.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Trading Agriculture Development Organization (ECTAD) and the Ministry of Agriculture, launched the Dasheen Post Harvest Trial with funding from the Committee Linking Entrepreneurship-Agriculture-Development (COLEAD) organization.
The Dasheen Post-harvest trial aimed to test three treatments: Ridomil as the benchmark, alongside Serenade and Lime Sulphur, two promising biological fungicides. This trial was a research initiative aimed at securing SVG’s place in the global market while ensuring the health and safety of consumers.
On Monday 6th January 2025, a handing-over ceremony was held at the Montreal Greenhouse Park; where several boxes of Dasheen were donated to key organisations. These organizations were the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, His Majesty’s Prison and the Zero Hunger Trust Fund.
Speaking at the Ceremony, CARDI’s SVG representative, Mr. Donawa Jackson, praised the trial as a collaborative effort to ensure sustainable agricultural exports and support for local farmers. According to Mr. Jackson, preliminary findings indicate strong potential to boost export opportunities while meeting strict chemical residue standards.
Mr. Marcus Richards, Head of Extension and Advisory Services revealed plans to extend similar efforts to other crops and commodities, ensuring that farmers are equipped with a diverse range of sustainable and effective tools to boost productivity and profitability.
Director of ECTAD, Jethro Greene described the trial as a “game-changer,” highlighting its relevance for several markets in Europe, the United States, etc. “The use of organic treatments positions SVG’s dasheen as a premium product, offering a competitive edge in global markets,” he stated.
Chief Agricultural Officer, Renato Gumbs echoed this sentiment, underscoring the urgency of finding viable alternatives to Ridomil. With European Maximum Residue Level (MRL) regulations becoming increasingly stringent, developing safer and more sustainable treatment methods is critical to keeping SVG’s agricultural exports thriving.
Hon. St. Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince, Minister of Health, Wellness & the Environment and Parliamentary Representative for Marriaqua, advocated for similar trials for crops like potatoes and eddoes and more emphasis on value-added processing, underscoring the importance of innovation in agriculture.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, Hon. Saboto Caesar credited the success to partnerships and years of dedication by stakeholders. He urged farmers to uphold fair pricing for agricultural produce and expressed confidence in the resurgence of SVG’s dasheen exports.
Dasheen (Taro)
Dasheen from the Post Harvest Trials
L-R: Jethro Greene - Director of ECTAD, Donawa Jackson - CARDI’s SVG representative, Hon Saboto Caesar - Minister of Agriculture, Hon. St. Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince - Minister of Health, Renato Gumbs - Chief Agricultural Officer, Marcus Richards - Head of Extension and Advisory Services
Stakeholders of the Dasheen Post-harvest trial
SVG Beekeepers Receive Boost in Technical Capacity
An assortment of tools and equipment was handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday, 28th January 2025. This donation was delivered by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to be used by its Extension and Advisory Services as part of its queen-rearing initiative to expand the availability of quality queen bees to beekeepers across SVG. The donation included microscopes, grafting tools, queen catchers and other items required for queen production.
This donation follows queen-rearing training with members of the Division and beekeepers in November 2024, conducted by Argentinian experts under the ApiCaribe Initiative. ApiCaribe is a Triangular Cooperation project involving the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Argentinian Government, and Caribbean countries.
IICA developed the project based on common requests made by Governments within CARICOM for support in developing their respective Apiculture sectors. The overall objective of ApiCaribe is to develop Apiculture as an integrated farming practice which promotes scientific beekeeping and enhances the productivity of crops through pollination while increasing the income and welfare of farmers and the wider society.
L - R: Trevor Phills - Senior Assistant Secretary and Michael Dalton - IICA’s Technical Specialist
Beekeepers inspecting hive Bee Hive
On Thursday 30th January 2025, Seven (7) Beach Seine Fishers received fishing equipment through the Direct Production Support Voucher Programme established in response to Hurricane Beryl 2024. A total of approximately $30,000 in vouchers, redeemable at Lulley’s Fishing Supplies, was distributed to support their recovery efforts and help them invest in essential resources for their trade.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry, and Labour remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting fisherfolk and revitalising the fisheries sector in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
Trevor Phills - Senior Assistant Secretary and Kris Isaccs - Senior Fisheries Officer with voucher recipients
CARDI INTRODUCES
The installation of the IoTree Coconut This project introduces an innovative South American Palm Weevil for timely intervention before systems are being implemented
The deployment of this technology for tree removal. The project is the European Union. It is jointly Suriname.
At the Coconut Orchard in Orange thanks to CARDI for their dedicated more resilient, efficient, and better technological advancements
Donawa Jackson, CARDI Representative value-added products and the
Renato Gumbs, Chief Agricultural preservation and expansion of Tameka Lavia of the National tackling the SAPW issue.
Additionally, teachers and students securing first place in the CARICOM
Donawa demonstrating
IoTree sensors
INTRODUCES NEW SENSOR TECHNOLOGY TO COMBAT COCONUT PESTS IN
Coconut AI Sensors took place at the National Properties Limited Coconut Orchard in Orange Hill on Thursday 23rd January 2025. innovative Early Detection Pest and Disease Management System utilizing IoTree sensors for the real-time digital monitoring of the (SAPW), a major pest threatening coastal coconut palms. The system provides early detection of SAPW in its larval stage, allowing infestation reaches advanced stages, which are typically associated with tree mortality and costly mitigation measures. The AI implemented by CARDI in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.
technology will support effective monitoring and inform mitigation strategies to control SAPW, helping to reduce tree loss and the need is part of the HIT REST Caribbean initiative, funded by the ACP Innovative Fund, the OACPS Research and Innovation Program, and jointly implemented by the University of the West Indies, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Agency, and Anton de Kom University of
Orange Hill, Hon. Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry, and Labour, expressed dedicated efforts in protecting coconut production within the agricultural sector. Minister Caesar shared that the sector could become better equipped to tackle emerging pests and diseases, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability and productivity with these to ensure food nutrition and security.
Representative for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, highlighted the vital role of coconut production in supporting local economies through the contribution to environmental sustainability.
Agricultural Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the role of technology in improving the agricultural sector, especially in the of coconut tree populations. Chief Gumbs also thanked CARDI for their continued support in enhancing the sector. Properties Limited shared that the coconut orchid spans 15 acres. Ms Lavia thanked Mr. Jackson and the team for their efforts in
students of the Georgetown Secondary School were in attendance and were congratulated by Minister Caesar and Mr. Jackson for CARICOM High School Agriculture Competition.
Donawa Jackson - CARDI Representative demonstrating use of IoTree sensors
L- R: Renato Gumbs - Chief Agricultural Officer, Donawa Jackson - CARDI Representative and Tameka Lavia - National Properties Representative
L- R: Hon Saboto Caesar - Minister of Agriculture and Donawa Jackson - CARDI Representative
Hon Saboto Caesar - Minister of Agriculture and Donawa Jackson - CARDI Representative with students of the Georgetown Secondary School
STRENGTHENING FOOD SECURITY BY EMPOWERING FARMERS THROUGH POULTRY PRODUCTION
Due to several climatic and world issues, food security has become a pressing concern for nations worldwide. In response to this, CARICOM established the 25 by 25 initiative which is for CARICOM nations to reduce the food import bill by 25% by 2025. Poultry farming was one of the activities that will play a critical role in achieving this goal.
In support of this initiative, the Zero Hunger Trust Fund, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), has taken decisive action by distributing thousands of layer and broiler chicks to small-scale farmers and backyard gardeners.
Layer chickens provide a consistent source of eggs, offering families an affordable and nutritious protein option, while broiler chickens contribute to meat production, ensuring a steady supply of locally grown poultry. Strengthening backyard farming and small-scale agriculture through initiatives like the National Home and Community Garden Project empowers households to become more self-sufficient, reducing dependence on imported food and building resilience against future crises.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance food security and support the recovery of the agricultural sector following the impact of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024.
L-R: Charlene Garrick - Manager at Farmers Support Company, Michael Dalton - IICA’s Technical Specialist, Safiya Horne-Bique - CEO of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund, Renato Gumbs - Chief Agricultural Officer, Trevor Phills - Senior Assistant Secretary
L-R: Charlene Garrick - Manager at Farmers Support Company, Safiya Horne-Bique - CEO of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund and students of the SVCC DTVE
Broiler Chicks Chicken Feed
Three (3) distributions took place on:
Friday, 24th January 2025 - 3,500 broiler chicks
Friday 31st January 2025 - 4,000 layer chicks
Friday 7th February 2025 - 3,000 broiler chicks and 650 layer chicks
These distributions took place at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Headquarters. Along with these distributions, persons received chicken feed and feeders.
Dr. Colleen Phillips, FAO National Correspondent, emphasized the importance of the initiative and reiterated FAO’s commitment to providing assistance.
Mr Michael Dalton, IICA’s Technical Specialist stated “This initiative is a direct contribution from IICA to support farmers and home gardeners as they work toward recovery. We are committed to ensuring these efforts enhance food security for families in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”.
According to Safiya Horne-Bique, CEO of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund, this distribution is an extension of efforts that began with the provision of vegetable seedlings, encouraging backyard farming and selfsufficiency. By expanding these efforts to include poultry, the project intends to support healthier eating habits and promote self-reliance among households.
Layer Chicks
Beneficiary with chicks and feed
Chick distribution
Chief Agricultural Officer, Mr. Renato Gumbs stressed the importance of climate resilience, technological advancements, and a positive mindset in the development of SVG’s agricultural sector.
FAO Trade Development Specialist, Mr. Jai Rampersad called for renewed efforts to strengthen production and market competitiveness. Mr Rampersad also pointed out that Jamaica and the Dominican Republic have successfully capitalised on the growing global demand for hot peppers and urged Vincentian farmers and stakeholders to do the same. He highlighted that current import levels for pepper-based products far exceed exports, indicating a significant opportunity for local production to bridge the gap.
FAO National Correspondent, Dr. Coleen Phillips reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to value chain development, stressing the role of public-private partnerships in ensuring sustainable, profitable agriculture.
in SVG Methodist value pepper as remain a agroflour facilitate and
Different types of peppers
workshop (Farmers)
Renato Gumbs - Chief Agricultural Officer
Jai Rampersad FAO Trade Development Specialist
Dr. Coleen Phillips, FAO’s National Correspondent
Field Demonstration
Workshop at Orangehill Biotechnology Centre
Participants of the workshop (Extension Officers)
Census Training Strengthens Field Officers’ Data Collection Capabilities
The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, having successfully secured financing from the World Bank under the OECS Data for Decision Making Project (DDMP), allocated part of the funds toward Service Delivery Training for Enumerators and Field Supervisors.
As part of the initiative, a five-day Enumerators and Supervisors Training for the Census of Agriculture and Fisheries Pilot commenced on Monday 3rd February and concluded on Friday 7th February 2025.
The workshop was convened at the University of the West Indies Open Campus.
This initiative tested the full census framework, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Mr Renato Gumbs, Chief Agricultural Officer, emphasised that efficiency must be a priority, urging field officers to conduct interviews thoroughly
while avoiding shortcuts that could compromise data integrity.
He noted that the census findings will play a critical role in shaping policies and directing resources, making it essential for enumerators to be diligent and precise in their duties.
Also addressing participants was Mrs Nerissa Gittens, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour.
She highlighted the broader impact of the data, explaining that inaccuracies could hinder future planning and development efforts.
She encouraged attendees to engage actively, seek clarification when needed, and fully understand their responsibilities, as their contributions will directly influence the agricultural and fisheries sector.
Mrs. Nerissa Gittens - Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour and Renato Gumbs - Chief Agricultural Officer
Hon Saboto Caesar - Minister of Agriculture Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour and Raven Hoflund, Founder of Ripples to Waves Inc.
MOU Signed to Boost Conservation Efforts in SVG
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Friday 14th February 2025 between the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour and Ripples to Waves Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to ocean conservation through a combination of science, experiential learning, and artistic expression.
The agreement was signed by Hon. Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, and Raven Hoflund, Founder of Ripples to Waves Inc.
This collaborative partnership aims to address shared environmental concerns and enhance the effectiveness of development initiatives through a multi-faceted approach. Key areas of focus include enabling education and outreach training, research initiatives and joint efforts on environmental engagements related to biodiversity conservation and public awareness in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Minister Caesar highlighted the significance of sustained collaboration in conservation, emphasizing that it strengthens the Ministry’s initiatives and contributes to the broader environmental and sustainable development goals of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
UNDP & MOA Partner to Fund Nature-Based Micro-Enterprises
The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) launched a small grants programme aimed at supporting biodiversity and enhancing micro-enterprises in Agriculture, Fisheries and Nature-based industries. This launch was held at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Conference Room on Wednesday 26th February 2025. With funding of USD 160,500, the programme will provide approved applicants with financing of up to EC$135,000 to develop and expand their businesses.
The objectives of the programme are to:
• Promote capacity-building in climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Support business growth, viability, and profitability through improved market supply chains.
• Facilitate private sector partnership that ensures enterprise sustainability
• Implement innovative solutions to mitigate negative impacts on SVG’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
• Provide targeted support to boost beekeeping and honey production.
• Facilitate access to financing for women and youth-led enterprises, as well as civil society organizations and NGOs.
• Create integrated partnerships that drive economic success.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour expressed gratitude for the collaboration and support from the UNDP. He urged farmers to apply promptly and assured that Extension Officers would be available to provide technical assistance throughout the application process.
Ms Makini Barrow, National Project Coordinator IWECO - Ridge to Reef Project also urged participation, particularly from women and youth-led organisations and groups. She explained that successful applicants would receive training to refine their proposals to enhance the impact of their ideas by ensuring that activities are credible, sustainable, and accountable.
Applications are available at the Ministry of Agriculture Headquarters, SVG Government Agriculture website, Extension staff and Forest Rangers.
L-R: Mr. Renato Gumbs - Chief Agricultural Officer, Mrs. Nerissa Gittens - Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Agriculture, Hon Saboto Caesar - Minister of Agriculture, Ms Makini Barrow - National Project Coordinator, IWECO (UNDP), Dr. Gary Mullins - Consultant
WHITE POTATO TRIALS SHOW PROMISING PROGRESS
In February 2024, The National White Potato Production trials were launched unveiling SPUNTA and DESIREE as the main potato varieties for the initiative. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry, and Labour, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
Since its launch, the project has made significant progress, with ongoing assessments and improvements in cultivation practices. As part of its continuous monitoring and evaluation, progress updates were carried out on Wednesday, February 26th and Thursday, March 6th 2025 at trial plots in Greiggs, Montreal Gardens, Belle Isle and Rose Hall.
During the assessment, Donawa Jackson, CARDI Representative, pointed out the differences in size and colour between the two varieties. Mr. Jackson also indicated that the ongoing research on these plots is being conducted as part of an agroecological study and a fertilizer trial to determine the best cultivation methods for good yield and quality.
Renato Gumbs, Chief Agriculture Officer, underscored the economic significance of this initiative, emphasizing its alignment with the CARICOM 25 by 25 initiative. He noted that reducing dependence on imported white potatoes is a key step in securing long-term agricultural sustainability.
Ruthvin Harper, Research Officer, Ministry of Agriculture reported that plots have progressed significantly and remain on track to meeting research objectives.
Michael Dalton, IICA’s Technical Specialist, reiterated IICA’s commitment to supporting capacity building for the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture. He also highlighted the recent engagement of personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture in a study visit to Dominica, to observe and learn from their white potato production practices.
This initiative continues to advance agricultural research and sustainability efforts, contributing to food security and economic growth within St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
L-R: Spunta and Desiree
Research officers for the National White Potato Production trials
Agricultural Field Worker
Michael Dalton - IICA’s Technical Specialist, Donawa Jackson - CARDI’s Representative (SVG), Barvin Ollivierre - Information Officer, Agency for Public Information (API), Ruthvin HarperResearch Officer, Renato Gumbs - Chief Agriculture Officer
Jennifer Cruickshank Howard - Chief Fisheries Officer with Beneficiaries
Management, Hon. Saboto Caesar - Minister of Agriculture, Harry - Head of the National Fisherfolk Organization Cruickshank Howard - Chief Fisheries Officer
