Saint Lucia is taking decisive action to integrate more young people into the agricultural sector by implementing upgraded agro-processing mechanisms that will significantly boost participation.
Farmers on the island are now gaining exposure to modern climate-resilient farming techniques, as the Ministry of Agriculture places this initiative at the forefront with the launch of a Hydroponic Facility at Union.
This project is strategically designed to draw young people into agriculture and reduce the island’s dependence on food imports.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Alfred Prospere, has credited Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre for spearheading this project after his visit to Guyana in 2023, where similar models successfully empower youth and promote self-employment in agriculture.
“It is a straightforward system for producing leafy vegetables without soil,” Prospere stated.
“The process involves growing seedlings or plants in a nutrient-rich water-based solution, resulting in a variety of leafy vegetables,” he added.
Saint Lucia’s agricultural plan has made significant strides with the commissioning of the Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship facility at Union. This facility includes two Hydroponic Shade houses that are specifically designed to grow leafy vegetables—such as lettuce and celery—without any soil.
Beyond food production, this facility serves as a vital educational space for students to conduct school-based assessments and ignite interest in agriculture as a promising career path for the next generation.
Minister Prospere made the program’s objective clear: “We provide young people with a dedicated space to explore and engage with modern agricultural practices.”
“We aim to integrate modern agriculture into school-based assignments and project work,” he added, emphasizing the importance of encouraging upper-level students—such as those at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) and secondary schools—to utilize this facility for their school-based assessments.
“There is a wealth of knowledge to gain here. This new technology presents an opportune moment for young people to capitalize on and shape the future of agriculture, ” the minister stated.
Minister Prospere confidently stated, “We are committed to moving agriculture towards a model where climate change has minimal impact on the sector. By building resilience and adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, we are encouraging young people to advance in this field.”
Recent reports confirm that the facility harvested its first crop approximately four weeks ago, with all produce purchased by the Saint Lucia Marketing Board. This demonstrates robust market support and validates the commercial viability of the system.
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