Agriculture sector important to economic sustainability of St Vincent-Grenadines

Tuesday, February 17, 2004

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent: The Agriculture sector has been named as one of the main contributing factors to the sustainability of the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

This observation was made by Junior Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture Montgomery Daniel while addressing members of staff of his Ministry at the annual general meeting held last week.

Minister Daniel said the agricultural sector brought stability to the rural communities. He however noted that the situation has changed over the years as the banana industry faces a number of challenges.

The Minister stated that when the sector was at its peak, it contributed 23% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of this country.

Mr. Daniel said that, to date, a dramatic drop of 10% in the GDP contribution was recorded by the sector.

Meanwhile, the Republic of China on Taiwan has reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the development of the agricultural industry of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

ROC Ambassador Elizabeth Chou stressed that no efforts will be spared to develop farming here. Noting that members of the mission are willing to share their expertise and knowledge of techniques and innovations in farming, she encouraged local farmers to contact the Embassy if they are interested in benefiting from the work of the Agricultural Technical Mission.

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