SOUTHERN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ATTEMPTS TO FORGE LINKAGES BETWEEN THE AGRICULTURAL AND TOURISM SECTORS DURING ITS 10TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE FOOD FAIR

There has been much discussion over the years over the need to develop stronger linkages between the tourism and agricultural sectors. This is a need which is fully recognised by key players within both sectors. There is an obvious rationale in this outlook, which makes this a desired goal to pursue. The tourism industry consumes a major quantity of food, most of which is imported into the island to feed the over ¼ million visitors who have been visiting our shores every year over the past three periods.
In order to meet the food supply needs of the sector, the authorities are left with no option but to allow the importation of large quantities of various types of foods. It has been argued for sometime, that the popularity of St. Lucia as a fast growing destination provides the local agricultural sector with opportunities to satisfy the demands of the local tourism industry. Most tourists in visiting St. Lucia, come with expectations of an authentic tropical experience which would be demonstrated in the foods and drinks that they consume.
Between the three year period, 2004 to 2006 tourism arrivals to the island registered amounts consistently over ¼ million visitors: 2004 - 298.431; 2005 - 317,939 and 2006 – 302,510. Conversely the food import bill over that same period reflected consistent rise in cost as follows: 2004 - EC $222,361 Million; 2005 - EC $230,990 Million and 2006 - EC $255,394.
The Southern Tourism Development Corporation is making its contribution towards forging linkages between the tourism and agricultural industries during this year’s landmark 10th anniversary Annual Independence Food Fair.

The STDC has taken the decision to include an agricultural component as a new and major addition to this event. This inclusion will take the form of a mini agricultural exhibition, which will highlight an exposition of both livestock and non-livestock produce. In addition a special effort will be made to present local exotic crops, such as “Hog Plum, Gooseberry, Sapodilla, Carambola, “Meweez”, “Bwi” etc. Persons attending the Food Fair will also have the benefit of savouring a range of special delicacy dishes prepared from rabbit meat. There is growing demand for Rabbit meat, which attracts very good prices in the range of EC $18.00 to EC $25.00 per pound.
By inclusion of an agricultural component to the Independence Food Fair, it adds greater diversity and attractiveness to the event as well as to expand on the educational elements. Visitors and locals could learn more about the agronomy of the crops, which end up in some of the dishes consumed at the Food Fair. Through their participation and presence at the Food Fair, farmers will benefit from exposure and opportunities to develop business linkages with the tourism sector.
The Ministry of Agriculture is providing support for this component of the Food Fair through its Extension Division which has been very much part of the planning and organisational efforts leading up to the February 24th, 2008 event. In terms of the future outlook, it is envisaged that the agricultural component can be expanded as a full-fledged agricultural exhibition and become a permanent feature in future Food Fairs.
Prepared by:
Darnley Lebourne
Tourism Development Officer