Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698829410685.pdf (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)
Fruits and Vegetables are some of the most important foods integral to our daily diet.

Good quality fruits and vegetables are naturally healthy and consist of vitamins and minerals that play an essential role in the normal functioning of the hu- man body.
Borrowing the theme for World Food Day 2018, “A Zero Hunger World is possible by 2020,” the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transfor- mation, Forestry, Fisheries, Industry and Labour has continued its quest to ensure that the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines have sustainable food sources.

Statistics show that Vincentians consume less fruits and vegetables than what is recom- mended in the Food-based dietary guidelines.
The Rural Transformation Unit within the Ministry of Agriculture collaborated with the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to implement the “Backyard Gardening Project.” The project is aimed at provid- ing access to nutritious food and to encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
According to Mrs. Currel Thompson- Fergus, Senior Technical Officer, Rural Transfor- mation Unit, this project began in 2016 with ap- Mrs. Currel Thompson - Fergus, Senior Technical Officer Fruits and Vegetables on display at World Food Day Exhibition Fruits and vegetables on display at World Food Day Exhibition proximately One hundred and fifty (150) homeowners in Ten (10) different communities.
She indicated that persons were appreciative of the fact that they can now embark on their quest to realize healthy eating by growing their own food utilizing biological treatments and methods of pest con- trol with no agrochemical use.

Thompson-Fergus added that participants also received training in food handling and preparation.

Mrs. Emril Payne-Richards is a project beneficiary.
She encouraged persons to “Dig up the concrete and plant your own food” as opposed to purchasing processed foods with harmful ingredients because it leads to a much healthier lifestyle.

She admitted that results are slow-paced but in the end, it would be worth the wait.

Extension Officer Hooper demonstrates use of organic manure in the background and to provide marketing for persons who produce breadfruit products locally.
Mr. Gloster stated that one of the major chal- lenges faced by persons interested in producing breadfruit products is the height of the trees; which pose difficulties in harvesting the fruit.

The productive life span of the tree is ten to fif- teen years and most of the breadfruit trees throughout the length and breadth of the country are over twenty (20) years old which means that they have gone past their productive lifespan.
He noted that , Hurricane Tomas had caused a signifi- cant decrease in the number of Breadfruit trees in the country.

Mr. Gloster sees the breadfruit as a representation of a true Vincentian spirit and wishes that Vincen- tians would see it in this light as well.
By getting involved with the fruit and utilizing it to its fullest capacity, persons can assist with removing the Breadfruit is a species of flowering tree in the mul- berry and jackfruit family (Moraceae) believed to be a domesticated descendant of Artocarpus camansi originating in New Guinea, the Maluku Islands, and the Philippines.
Plantation owners brought the bread- fruit to the Caribbean to feed slaves, but they did not know that they were giving the slaves one of the most nutritious fruits in the world.

Breadfruit is gluten-free and packed with nutrients.

It was one of several “super foods” in ancient times.
It is high in carbohy- drates and a good source of antioxidants, calcium, ca- rotenoids, copper, dietary fiber, energy, iron, magne- sium, niacin, omega 3, omega 6, phosphorus, potas- sium, protein, thiamine, vitamin A and vitamin C. January 23rd, 2019 marked two hundred and twenty- six (226) years since Captain William Bligh brought five (5) types of breadfruit plants to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and since then the types have in- creased to over thirty different types.
To commemo- rate this milestone, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry, Fisheries, Industry and La- bor in collaboration with the Massey Stores Super- market hosted a mini-exhibition showcasing local products made from breadfruit.

This exhibition took place over the period January 23rd – January 25th at all three branches of the Massey Stores.
Mr. Michael Gloster, Agricultural Officer played a central role in the hosting of this event where locally produced products such as Cyrus’s Breadfruit Chips, breadfruit pancake mix, breadfruit punch, breadfruit dishes and breadfruit wood were on display.

In addi- tion to this, there were also breadfruit recipe books and hard copy handouts provided to persons who wished to understand the history and health benefits of the breadfruit.
The purpose of the mini-exhibition was to create an awareness among persons on the breadfruit plant, to provide ideas to persons who may want to produce their own breadfruit based products For many decades, Marijuana has had a negative stigma attached to it, which was fueled by songs sung by dancehall artiste and persons who used the drugs incorrectly thus causing statutory laws against the plant to emerge.
Though there were many mis- giving where the plant was concerned, Scientist de- cided to do extensive research on the plant, which resulted in them discovering that the plant can be used for not only recreation but also medical use.

Medical Marijuana uses the chemicals in the mari- juana plant to treat diseases and medical conditions.

This plant contains approximately five hundred (500) different chemicals called cannabinoids.
Delta -9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals used in medicine, THC also produces the "high" people feel when they smoke marijuana or eat foods containing it.

Medical Marijuana treats several conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Appetite loss, Cancer, Chron’s disease, eating disorders such as anorexia, Epilepsy, Glaucoma and mental conditions such as Schizo- phrenia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
As of Recent, St. Vincent and the Grenadines have commenced their journey in establishing a Modern Medicinal Cannabis Industry.

On January 25 2019, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry, Fisheries, Industry and Labour launched a Cannabis Research and Development Scientific Platform under the theme “Medicinal Cannabis be- gins and ends with science” at the conference room of the Labour Department at Marion House.
When the project concludes the ministry hopes to have achieved several objectives: • To create a body of knowledge regarding canna- bis in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

• To add to existing knowledge garnered over the years by traditional cultivators.

• To identify varieties of cannabis grown in St. Vin- cent and the Grenadines, with the aim of protecting local strains.

• To establish a seed bank and germplasm for the conservation of local strains of cannabis.
• To create a platform for the exchange of knowl- edge relating to cannabis and other commodities and medicinal properties.

Hon.

Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, ex- plained the ministry’s attempts in trying to introduce a new commodity commercially that would be bene- ficial to the country’s economy, therefore, there is critical need to incorporate science into the research of the marijuana plant.
In order to export cannabis internationally, it is required of them to satisfy the necessary standards.

As a result, an order was granted by the Ministry of Health to allow the University of the West Indies, Ministry of Agriculture and the Bu- reau of Standards to conduct the necessary research to ensure that these plants fulfilled the necessary standards.

He stressed that this study did not affect the cannabis industry and amnesty act, which should be operational by the end of March.
He went on to encourage persons to get involved with the research and development of Medical Marijuana.

Interested persons can send a research proposal to their respec- tive Universities, once given approval, they can send the letter to the Ministry of Agriculture and the letter is forwarded to the Cannabis and Research Develop- ment Unit to be reviewed by Dr. Raphique Bailey.
Mr. Ezra Ledger, Director of the Bureau of Standards stressed the importance of the success of this project to assist in economic development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He went on to say that, “The theme is rooted in the promise that in order for this medical cannabis industry to be truly successful, all of its processes and practices from seed to soul must be based on internationally science-based stan- dards and best practices”.

Mr.
Mr.

Ledger noted that very little information on medical cannabis where it concerns cultivation, processing and use is available, even though there is a large amount of traditional knowledge; it is not representative of the medical aspect of marijuana and it is not enough to enter into the modern competitive industry.
The Medical Cannabis in- dustry is the fastest growing industry worldwide and in order to enter into the industry, we must ensure that we meet the same standards, quality effectiveness and safety as other prescribed drugs to enter and compete in the international market.

Mr. Rohan McDonald, Supervising Officer of the tissue culture laboratory at Orange Hill, spoke on the role of Tissue Cul- ture in the Cannabis Industry.
He stated that germplasm was established to collect many types of local cannabis, introduce and discover elite characters, for example, plants with high THC.
The role of the tissue culture would be to ensure that plants are true to type and they consist of three sets: • Female – produce buds, which would be the most ideal for reproduction • Male – have a low THC and bears seeds • Hermaphrodite - formed from females and they underwent environmental stress (exposed to floods) The germplasm would also assist persons with restoring a plant back to its natural state.

They would collect sematic cells, which are non-reproductive seeds.
He stressed that persons growing these plants should try to fertilize them with fertilizers that are of low nitrogen content.

With this facility, they would have the opportunity to mass-produce.

In the past, they would use plant hormones for rapid multiplication, which would cause mutations (not 100% identical to their mother) but he Mr. Mc Donald was glad to report that they were now using brown sugar as a regulator and it is working extremely well.
Executed over a period of 4 years, the project “Strengthening Farmer’s Organization and improving Fruit and vegetable production Technology” showed a cost that amounted to EC$7,273,832.00.

There were many achievements provided by this project to the Farmers’ Cooperatives of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry, Fisheries, Industry and Labor: • Establishment of eight (8) farmers’ cooperatives producing different agricultural commodities.
• Training of farmers and Extension officers to strengthen their capacity to aid in the improved management of cooperative organizations.

Training programmes were conducted locally and in Taiwan.

• Soil sample collection, analysis and fertilizer recommendations.

• Outfitting of Probiotics Laboratory • Improved Technologies to enhance the production of biofertilizers and biopesticide.

• The development of cultivations models for watermelon, pineapple, sweet pepper, tomatoes and carrot.
• The procurement of equipment and training in the analysis of pesticide residue in local and imported fruits and vegetables.

• The attainment of agricultural equipment such as tillers and sprayers to support agricultural cooperatives.
On 14 January 2019, The Taiwanese embassy handed over the project “Strengthening Farmer’s Organization and improving Fruit and vegetable production Technology” and a Compost Facility constructed at a cost of approximately 1.5 million dollars at the Orange Hill Agriculture Biotechnology Center.

The Facility is equipped with three (3) bio-digesters for making compost and a steam-sterilizing machine for sterilization of soil and other inputs used for vegetable seedling production.
Mr. Ashley Caine, Chief Agricultural Officer, expressed gratitude to the Taiwanese for their continuous sup- port in developing the Agricultural sector.

He expressed concern for the fact that there are not enough youths getting involved in agriculture.

Ambassador of China (Taiwan), His Excellency, Mr. Calvin Ho expressed how delighted he was to attend another meaningful event at the Orange hill facility.
He mentioned other projects that they were involved in where it concerns the sustainable development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Over the period of three (3) years, they were able to accumulate five hundred and fifty-two soil sample tests and thirty-six (36) metric tons of bio-fertilizer.
His Excellency expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture for their assistance in executing tasks and stated that the main target was to turn the Ministry of Agriculture into one of the best ag- ricultural sectors in the Caribbean.

Hon.

Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, stated that he wished to address the issue of food safety by 2020.
He went on to highlight the many efforts that are underway to ensure that the products consumed by the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines have little to no chemicals.

He expressed gratitude to the Taiwan- ese for donating several pieces of equipment to test chemical residue on imported and locally made products and they received a plant to assist with producing bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide.
He also mentioned the im- mediate suspension of the importation of Round-Up, Touchdown and Glyphos and any other chemical con- taining the active ingredient glyphosate, which is one of the first steps to improving food safety and ensuring the longevity and health of persons using these products and consumers of produce.
The goal for 2019 is to produce a bio- herbicide, which would assist farmers and farmer’s cooperatives in marketing produce that is Organic and produce safer foods for Vincentians and export.

He commended the Taiwanese ambassador on the excellent partnership and the timely execution of de- livery when asked.

He also thanked the workers based at the agricultural station and Rohan Mc Donald, team, and encour- aged them to continue making strides in the development of the sector.
Quality Requirements 4.1 Minimum Requirements Dasheen shall be:  Of similar varietal characteristics  Clean  Mature  Free from damage  Free from insects  Free from diseases  Properly trimmed  Firm  Of the desired size  In Properly labelled packages  Of correct packed weight Grade Requirements: The degree of tolerance for the individual grade are meant to ac- count for normal human error in sorting and packing, and for the deterioration in quality that may occur between the point of dispatch and receival and should not be deliberately exploited by the packer.
All grades shall meet the minimum requirements as well as the following additional requirements.

Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Individual Corms Blemish free Blemishes shall not exceed more than 5% of the surface area.

Blemishes shall not exceed more than 10% of the surface area.

Tolerance 1.

Not more than 30% size differ- ence.

1.

Not more than 40% size differ- ence.

1.

Not more than 50% size difference.

2.


Not more than 5% shall fail to meet the specifications of which not more than 2% shall be due to dam- age and disease on receival by the buyer.

2.

Not more than 10% shall fail to meet the specifications of which not more than 2% shall be due to damage and disease on receival by the buyer.

2.

Not more than 15% shall fail to meet the specifications of which not more than 2% shall be due to damage and disease on receival by the buyer.
New clean boxes fully protecting the corms and containing no more than 20.5 kg (50lbs) New clean boxes fully protecting the corms and containing no more than 20.5 kg (50 lbs) Clean boxes fully protecting the corms and con- taining no more than 20.5kg (50lbs) Packaging 5.

Minimum Extra-regional Export Requirement Grade 2 shall be the minimum grade ex- ported to extra-regional markets.
Climate change is a global phenomenon that repre- sents a shift in worldwide weather patterns associated with an increase in global average temperatures.

Cli- mate change can negatively impact agricultural pro- duction and food security.

In an effort to build resil- ience to climate change in the agriculture and other sectors of the economy, the Government of St. Vin- cent and the Grenadines has received funding to sup- port the adoption and implementation of several miti- gation measures.
In this regard, the Ministry of Ag- riculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry, Fisheries, Industry and Labour received Grant funding under the UNDP’s Japan-Caribbean Climate Change Part- nership to support the following pilot projects:  Climate Change Adaptation Project for Livestock  Production Irrigation Capacity Improvement to Improve Cli- mate Resilience among Small Farmers.
The Irrigation Capacity Improvement Project has as its objective t0 enhance farmers capacity to meet their economic needs through installation of irriga- tion capacities on and off farm and to improve their climate resilience through the adoption of climate smart technologies.

Under this project, the Ministry and IICA have un- dertaken work on the following activities: 1.

Rehabilitation of the Langley Park Irrigation Scheme; 2.
Design and establishment of affordable climate- resilient, community based water harvesting, stor- age and distribution systems in Langley Park and San Souci; 3.

Design and establishment of Individual water har- vesting, and irrigation systems to improve farm productivity in Langley Park, Grand Sable, San Souci, Barrouallie, Chateaubelair and Calder; 4.

Demonstration of sustainable agriculture (Climate -resilient, agro-pastoral practices and technolo- gies (e.g.
water management and soil fertility) in selected target areas; 5.

Training of Farmers in Langley Park, Grand Sa- ble, San Souci, Barrouallie, Chateaubelair and Calder to reduce disaster-induced losses through the adoption of climate resilience and disaster risk management strategies on-farm; 6.

Training of farmers in the use of irrigation pumps powered by photo-voltaic electricity systems in order to reduce costs of operating pumps; 7.
Farmers provided with access to disease resis- tant planting material of vegetables and citrus; and 8.

Capacity of nurseries expanded (installation of screen houses and equipment and sourcing of disease and climate resilient germplasm sourced) The Ministry of Agriculture through its Research & Development and Extension and Advisory Ser- vices has completed significant work on project activities in Langley Park .

This work included: 1.

2.


The rehabilitation of the water intake, storage and distribution systems for the upper Langley Park Irrigation scheme.

3.

The establishment of a sustainable agriculture demonstration plot with the Langley Park Farmers Group.

4.

Training of members of the Farmers Group in the adoption of climate resilience and disaster risk management on their farms.
According to Mr. Conrad Simon, Irrigation Spe- cialist in the Ministry of Agriculture, the project rehabilitated the upper third section of the Langley Park Irrigation scheme which was damaged by the 2013 through system.

He added that 8 farmers including the Windward Island Irrigation Farmers Cooperative were selected to demonstrate the use of the system to support the sustainable production of one acre of different types of vegetables.
Mr. Simon was elated to see the progress of the Wind- ward Island Irrigation Cooperative hot pepper plot established in December 2018, when compared to similar hot pepper plots in the area grown under rain-fed conditions.

He attributed its progress to the use of water from the rehabilitated system.
Senior Agricultural Officer responsible for the Ex- tension and Advisory Services, Mr. Marcus Rich- ards spoke of Extension’s support to the farmers through the provision of technical advice on the pro- duction of hot peppers and other vegetables.

He added that the plot will help to teach other farmers in the area about the use of irrigation in the attainment of a suc- cessful and sustainable farming enterprise.
District Extension Officer, Mrs. Andrea Latchman highlighted the role played by Extension and Advisory Services in the formation of the cooperative and her own role in guiding the farmers through the various husbandry practices required for the success of the crop thus far.

Members of the Cooperative were very pleased with the performance of the plot and observed that the provision of irrigation made a significant difference in this per- formance.