PINGCO – Pineapple growers unite

The ‘Pineapple Growers Cooperative Society Limited’ (PINGCO)’ was formally launched on August 29, 2010.{{more}}

The Society is an independent association engaged in the production, processing and marketing of pineapple and its by-products, and other agricultural produce. More than 30 farmers and well-wishers attended the launching ceremony held at the Beach Front Restaurant, Chateaubelair.

Norgie Tucker – President of PINGCO, stated that there are many objectives of PINGCO, including the improvement the social, economic and physical well-being of its members, and by extension the Vincentian populace; to assist in the development and coordination of marketing activities for its members locally and regionally; and to provide members with continuous on farm education at all levels of pineapple production.

The launching ceremony heard remarks from Dr. Jerrol Thompson – Parliamentary Representative; Reuben Robertson – Chief Agriculture Officer; Dan Richards – Supervisor of Region One; Cecil Jackson from the Cooperative Division; Junior Bacchus from the Credit Union League; Shafia London from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and Ivo Harry from ‘Rabacca Farmer Fruit & Vegetable Organization’. They all extended their sincere congratulations to PINGCO and expressed the belief that PINGO will enjoy a fruitful future with the efforts of the excellent Vincentian farmers.

Charge d’Affaires of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Michael Lin, stressed that SVG and Taiwan signed an Agreement on Agricultural Technical Cooperation in 2009; Taiwan promised that it would help Vincentian farmers market their agricultural commodities. Therefore, under the Embassy’s instruction, the Taiwan Mission worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to help Vincentian farmers establish cooperatives and offered on-site assistance in the farmers’ fields.

After the first successful ‘Rabacca Farmer Fruit & Vegetable Organization’ which is able to supply watermelons to local supermarkets and restaurants weekly, PINGCO is going to be the next successful case. Lin strongly believes and guaranteed that the Embassy of Taiwan and the Taiwan Mission will continue to support PINGCO and Vincentian farmers.

Chief Lee Chin-Yu of the Taiwan Mission donated 10 rolls of plastic film worth EC$1000 to PINGCO. With this special film, farmers can cover pineapples to prevent them from being damaged by rain, insects and sunburn. More information about PINGCO can be had from Norgie Tucker, Dan Richards or the Mission.