30th January 2010
Meet The Farmer Programme - A Roadshow!
By Frank Girard

The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries & Forestry launches a series of islandwide Roadshows in early February 2010 aimed at sensitizing Saint Lucian farmers of government’s plan to boost and modernize the agriculture sector. According to Permanent Secretary, Hubert Emmanuel, the Roadshow will be brought to all Agricultural Regions to discuss topical issues affecting farmers on the island.
In this regard, farmers will be expected to comment on these activities in the presence of Agriculture Minister, Ezechiel Joseph and other senior ministry officials. Mr. Emmanuel said : “The aim of the RoadShow is to bring the farm and market together and to discuss mutual matters frankly with farmers in the form of townhall meetings throughout the island. There is the need to impart accurate information about the actual contribution of Agriculture to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in St. Lucia.”
The opportunity will also be taken to invite other stakeholders and quasi-government bodies and agencies to participate in these communal roadshows, such as representatives of the St. Lucia Development Bank (SLDB), Fisheries Department, Copra Manufacturers, Banana Production & Management Unit (BPMU), Forestry Department, Banana Industry Trust (BIT), Biodiversity Unit, The Extension Department, St. Lucia Marketing Board (SLMB), farmers and fisheries cooperatives, among other divisions and interest groups.