SVG exports 32,000 pounds of agricultural produce to USA

The largest shipment of vacuum packed root crops to be exported in a single shipment from St Vincent and the Grenadines left for the United States of America on Wednesday.{{more}}

A release from the Ministry of Agriculture said the 32,000 lb shipment comprises yams, dasheen, grated coconut, roasted breadfruit and an assortment of fruit pulps. “This exercise was made possible through the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, Vincy Fresh, and several entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector,” the release said.

The container is valued at EC $175,000.

The goods were vacuum packed in Lauders and are expected to arrive in the USA on September 25, 2013.

In a recent answer in Parliament, Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar noted that there is a demand for one 40 foot container of vacuum packed agriculture products and 30,000 lbs of fish weekly.

“This is the first of such containers. The Ministry of Agriculture is currently re-organizing its national food production plan in order to facilitate this new trading opportunity,” the release said.

The Minister of Agriculture stated that this historical export comes as a result of years of efforts at diversification by stakeholders in the agriculture sector. He further stated that any step to add value is one in the right direction. A two-member team from the Ministry of Agriculture is expected to leave the state on October 1 to continue promotional activities for the marketing of agricultural commodities in the United States of America.