Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir is optimistic about effecting transformative change in Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector and the wider region.
Addressing a gathering on Tuesday as Saint Lucia hosted a high-delegation mission of agricultural experts from across the region, Minister Jawahir unveiled a bold Green Revolution project aimed at transforming both Saint Lucia’s agricultural landscape and regional agricultural sectors through climate resilience and modern technology.
This mission is being coordinated in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE).
Minister Jawahir acknowledged the invaluable input of “world-class experts” from IICA and CATIE as the region embarks on this transformational phase. “This high-level technical mission marks the beginning of a new chapter for agriculture, fisheries, and food security in Saint Lucia,” she declared.
The government is outlining its strategic priorities for the development of agriculture, with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security detailing its high-level strategic mission to reposition the agricultural sector. The delegation will be on the island for a week of discussions focused on revitalizing the industry.
The opening ceremony brought together government officials, regional and international technical experts, and sector stakeholders to identify strategic priorities for modernizing and transforming agriculture in Saint Lucia.
In her keynote address, Minister Jawahir outlined the Government’s vision for the strategic realignment of the agriculture sector, stating, “Agriculture is no longer simply viewed as a traditional sector, but as a strategic pillar of national development, economic resilience, and regional prosperity.”
Discussing the Green Revolution, she emphasized that collaboration with IICA and other key partners is crucial for implementing its plans. Minister Jawahir articulated an “ambitious but achievable vision” through the Green Revolution, which is encapsulated in the 10 Pillar Blueprint for transforming agriculture into a modern, technology-driven sector.
“This vision is founded on innovation, climate resilience, fisheries modernization, crop expansion, livestock development, youth and women empowerment, food production, and ultimately reducing our dependence on imported food,” Minister Jawahir added.
The mission’s core objective focuses on transforming the regional agricultural sector by prioritizing food security, climate resilience, and reducing the regional food import bill. This milestone event aligns with Saint Lucia’s ongoing national frameworks, such as the Ministry of Agriculture’s 10-Pillar Green Revolution Plan, which emphasizes regional technical partnerships, digital integration, and sustainable farming systems.
The implementation phase will closely monitor key aspects that include:
– Core Initiatives: Scaling climate-resilient farming, expanding the blue economy, and promoting smart farming technology
– Key Objectives: Boosting food security, reducing dependence on food imports, and empowering local farmers.
This collaborative effort represents a significant step towards revitalizing agriculture in Saint Lucia and building a resilient future for its citizens.