Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector faces a critical challenge with an aging workforce, including farmers and farm workers. Consequently, it is imperative that the authorities actively encourage more young people to enter this vital field.
This issue extends to the fisheries industry as well, where retiring senior fishers must be replaced with a new generation of skilled seafarers.
Minister for Agriculture, Lands, and Fisheries Alfred Prospere recognizes the urgency of this situation and is committed to addressing it. He emphasizes that there are promising opportunities for agricultural students and those with similar interests to secure rewarding livelihoods in this rapidly growing sector, which is essential for enhancing food security both locally and regionally.
As a former agricultural student who has successfully ascended to the position of minister and parliamentary representative, Hon.Prospere is calling on young students to dedicate their time and energy to the expanding field of agricultural science. Now is the time for the youth to step up and become the driving force in this important industry.
Hydroponics Technology
Hydroponics technology is a revolutionary farming system that eliminates the need for soil by utilizing only water and nutrients, as explained by Agriculture Minister Alfred Prospere.
“This system makes efficient use of limited space,” he stated, “allowing you to transform your backyard or garage into a productive farming area.”
Minister Prospere announced the recent launch of a new Hydroponics Facility at Union, backed by part-funding from the Government of Guyana. This initiative is designed to significantly enhance the production of ‘leafy vegetables’ such as lettuce and cauliflower, among others.
“Our objective is clear: we aim to ramp up production of these commodities to minimize imports. But the crucial aspect of this technology is its potential to engage young people and women in agriculture,” he emphasized.
Prospere confidently articulated, “This is the path our country must follow to fulfill its food security needs.”
Currently, three graduates from the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) work at the Hydroponics Facility, contributing to the production of these crops. “I expect to see many more young people gain training through this facility and encourage those involved in agricultural projects and SBAs to utilize the Hydroponics Facility to spark their interest in agriculture,” the minister said.
He reiterated the pressing need to attract youth to the agricultural sector, stating, “The experienced agricultural workforce is gradually retiring, and we must draw in the younger generation. This can only be achieved by introducing innovative technologies and practices.”
Prospere highlighted that a basic hydroponics system can be set up for about $5,000 or more for backyard gardening. “This investment facilitates the establishment of simple hydroponics systems that can generate economic activity for unemployed individuals while addressing our food security challenges,” he said. “It’s essential that we reduce our food import bill and ensure sustainable food production that guarantees all Saint Lucians access to adequate nutrition.”
With the facility in Union, the authorities expect the Youth Economy Agency (YEA) to secure funding for another hydroponics facility, aimed at attracting more young individuals to this field.
He pointed out that the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) recently launched an Aquaponics system, which utilizes fish waste to nourish plants: “This is the future we are pursuing. It’s a beneficial system that I strongly advocate for our young unemployed youth and women, as it holds immense long-term benefits for both them and the nation.”
Minister Prospere referenced CARICOM’s target of reducing food imports by 25% by 2025—a goal that has not yet been met, with current reductions hovering around 5%. He noted, “I recognize that inefficient transportation and the movement of goods among OECS countries have obstructed our progress towards this target. Therefore, we have extended the timeline, aiming for achievement by 2030.”
In addition, he revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture is developing a Food Production Plan for 2025-2030, aligned with CARICOM’s objectives, stating , “Our goal is to encourage farmers to increase production of leafy vegetables.”
To further reduce imported commodities, the Minister underscored the critical importance of the Seven Crops Program, funded by Taiwan, which is currently in its second phase. “We are focusing on key crops such as lettuce, cucumbers, watermelons, cabbage, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and others. Our goal is to make a significant impact and reduce the substantial food imports into Saint Lucia, which amount to over $1 million annually,” he said.
Minister Prospere firmly believes, “With over 5,000 farmers in our country, we can and must do better. The government is assembling this Food Production Plan to maximize our resources. We intend to utilize our Farm Labour Program, currently at $600,000, to provide the necessary support and inputs to farmers.”
He added , “ Rising fertilizer costs and other challenges are pressing issues that we must tackle. Our commitment is to assist with site preparation and provide fertilizers to enhance yields, ultimately reducing our import dependency.”
On the issue of farm labour, the minister asserted that young people are not interested in the field due to the stigma of ‘mud and dirt’ associated with agricultural work, as well as their reluctance to work long hours in the field.
Prospere insists that farmers must receive fair value for their work. He said if the situation continues and gets out of control, the government may have to resort to alternative options by bringing in farm labourers from outside of Saint Lucia.
“This may be the way to go , for if the farmers continue to be challenged by the labour requirements on the farm, it will discourage them and would force them to leave their industry ,at a time when this industry is very critical to the development of this country,” the minister contended.
He continued , “We have a serious Farm Labour problem in Saint Lucia, and that’s why under the Food Security Initiative, last year, we were able to assist more than 300 farmers with about 115 farm labourers assisting.”
In particular, he said, the shortage of farm labourers greatly impedes the production and operations of the larger farmers and so, government has allocated the sum of $600, 000 to assist them.
“So , the ministry will provide that level of support to them to ensure (that) we continue to increase our food production and to reduce on our food import bill,” the minister asserted.