Agri-entrepreneurs receive $87 000 worth of equipment

Five groups in St Vincent and the Grenadines that are part of the Youth Agri-entrepreneurship for rural development project have received equipment totalling around EC$ 87,000 to help boost their output.

The equipment, which included industrial blenders, industrial stoves, oil extractors, stainless steel strainers, and pot sets were handed over at a ceremony held at the conference room of the Fisheries Division on January 26, 2024.

Minister of National Mobilization etc. Orando Brewster, urged the groups to make use of the equipment, noting that he’s expecting to see a grater level of production with the receipt of the equipment.

Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar, also speaking at the ceremony, said the government is part of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) initiative to reduce the food import bill by 25% by the year 2025, and projects like these contribute to the national effort.

He said he also expects to see products of the different groups in shops and supermarkets throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines and in neighbouring Caribbean islands.

The agriculture minister revealed as well that over one thousand businesses involving up and coming young entrepreneurs would be registered.

And during this month, a national backyard supply chain programme will be launched to encourage more people to engage in backyard farming and food production.

The groups which received the equipment are: Infusiion.co; Chateau Pazzion; Bequia Dynamic Investors; IYAMCO; and YAMCO (API).