In many ways Grenada's development opportunities and challenges reflect those of the Windward islands as a whole. However the Nutmeg Association has just emerged from a period of financial crisis, but will require continuous prudent management to keep it viable. Banana exports have dwindled due to the difficulties of controlling leaf spot in the rugged terrain and the World Trade Organization's ruling against preferential trading conditions with European countries has also hit banana growers hard. Many growers are being left with little choice but to diversify or grow bananas for a niche market - such as the small sweet finger bananas that are selling well in European supermarkets. The highest price received by banana farmers 1985-1995 was under 33 cents per pound.
Cocoa is also an important crop for Grenada, but it too has suffered in the past years.
Only the most productive cocoa farmers, achieving yields of a least 750 lbs per acre can cover operating costs. One of the most devastating pests is the pink mealy bug which has also attacked a large number of trees, ornamental shrubs, fruits and vegetables. As a result of this invasion, Grenada's horticultural production has been severely affected in quantity and quality, with exports of fruit and vegetables being rejected by other Caribbean countries. Land that has been affected could perhaps be rehabilitated, but young people are moving away from farming and the rural-urban drift is on the increase. Agricultural wages are the lowest on the island and together with basic working conditions, few are being attracted into agriculture.