Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 02, 2006: Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Sub-regional Representative of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Dr. Barbara Graham and Minister responsible for Agriculture Honourable Cedric Liburd signed an agreement to assist former sugar workers on Monday.
The FAO will provide US$393,000 or EC$1 million to assist the Ministry of Agriculture in providing emergency support for former SSMC workers.
Director of Agriculture Dr. Jerome Thomas outlined some of the activities for which the funds will be used. He said that 100 crop farmers and 46 livestock farmers will be established and supported. Dr. Thomas further noted that they will be trained in practical aspects of crop and livestock production. He said the Basseterre abattoir will be improved to facilitate the anticipated increase of animals for slaughter.
Director Thomas also revealed that peanut production will be greatly enhanced by the assistance. He said that there will be a drying facility which will quickly dry peanuts - a process that previously had to be done on rooftops and in the street.
He added that up to 100 acres will be designated for peanut planting.
The extension staff and farmers will receive training in a wide range of areas including harvesting, post harvest practices and farm management, business development and marketing.
Dr. Graham said that the 12 month project will provide technical assistance and guidance. She added that she was pleased to sign the agreement which will mark FAO's most significant contribution in support of the Ministry of Agriculture's measures to address the needs of former sugar workers. The FAO Sub-regional Representative said that the project which is entitled "Emergency Support for Agricultural Entrepreneurship Development for Workers Displaced through the Closure of the Sugar Industry" will provide technical support to the 146 former SSMC Workers' and provide funding to renovate the abattoir. She said the training will be provided along the agro food train and will include producers and extension officers.
The FAO representative further noted that four technicians should arrive the Federation shortly and will work in areas including crop, livestock and water harvesting. She explained that they will came into the region via the Regional Food Security Project and provide technical support where necessary.
Minister Liburd explained how the funds provided by the FAO will assist the former sugar workers. He said that the EC$ 1 million will assist the displaced sugar workers in improving their skills and assist them in building their own enterprises throughout the island.
Minister Liburd said that this is an opportunity for farmers that will enable them to supply their households with food, earn income and in extension reduce the large food imports of the Federation. He further noted that his ministry is working with the ministry of lands to assign more farming lands which is a stimulus to food production.
Pertaining to seeking a market for the produce, Minister Liburd revealed that meetings have been organized with the Hotel and Tourism Association (HTA) and other stakeholders to explore supplying the local hotels and resorts with vegetables and fruit.
