OFFICIALS from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries, Cooperatives and Rural Development are currently hosting a series of meetings in various communities around Saint Lucia.
The purpose of the consultations is to engage farmers, fishers and members of the public in discussions that would assist in developing a new medium-to-long-term National Policy and Strategic Plan for the advancement of Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector.
The policy will span the next 10 to 15 years.
Officials have decided to adopt a bottoms up approach in accordance with recommendations made to the ministry and practices utilized all over the world. The approach will ensure that the views, concerns and recommendations of stakeholders will be incorporated into the planning and policy process.
The consultations began in Mabouya Valley on October 14 and have since been held in Roseau Valley, Soufriere, and Micoud. Healthy discussions for the advancement of the sector have taken place and are expected to continue in communities around the island.
The Communities of Choiseul, Anse La Raye,Canaries, Laborie, Babonneau, Vieux Fort, Bexon Castries and Dennery will be visited in the near future.(GIS)