IICA hosts five-day workshop

Last Tuesday, May 2, 2006 saw the commencement of a five-day workshop organized by the Inter- American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries held at the Anglican Pastoral Centre.

The workshop, which looked at principles of organic farming for entrepreneurs, saw many local farmers and entrepreneurs in attendance.

Feature speaker, Chief Agriculture Officer Philmore Isaacs said that the agriculture of St. Vincent and the Grenadines must relate to the needs of the nation and should be technologically driven. {{more}}

Isaacs went on to say that, “Our production must be market driven and geared towards the international standards.” He stressed that our produce must be environmentally friendly and cater for all. He related that the workshop must be seen as a foundation for refining agriculture.

Brief remarks were also given by Regional Specialist, Sustainable Rural Development of IICA, Joseph Peltier, who noted that organic farming is a very marketable venture indeed. He said in order to call oneself an organic farmer, they have to be certified. He gave figures that the organic market over the world is increasing by 20 to 30 percent a year.

Peltier further added that farmers and entrepreneurs would need the right mindset and also the political will in terms of legislation to succeed. He also urged the participants to come together in an organization to plan and move forward with organic farming and agriculture.