Former Chief Agricultural Officer now into agro-input services

Former Chief Agricultural Officer (CAO) and FAO Representative, Reuben Robertson, is actively advocating for the transition from petrochemical products to the adoption of organic inputs in agricultural production.

On Friday, October 11, he participated in the Agriculture Expo held at the Cruise Ship Terminal during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA). Representing his business, Agriss, Robertson elaborated on his motivation for moving into the field of organic agricultural inputs and their benefits for sustainable farming practices.

“I decided that we need to make a change here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, in that we have been subject to, for years, the petrochemicals—we really need to give the consumers a greater option of safe and good quality food.”

He explained that his decision was further reinforced by observing the amount of money farmers spend, as well as the comparative results before and after the use of Agriss products.

Agriss offers a comprehensive range of products designed to enhance plant resilience, minimize evapotranspiration, and strengthen root systems.

Robertson acknowledged the encouragement he received from a longstanding colleague and agronomist, who currently represents Stoller’s line of organic products. This support motivated him to engage in the provision of organic agricultural products and services to farmers.

He highlighted the notable increase in crop yields he experienced upon initially using the products on a cucumber field, which traditionally yielding between five to six sacks per harvest.

“We harvested over 17 sacks of cucumbers from the same place that we’ve been getting five and six sacks. When I look at the amount of flowers on these plants, it’s like crazy.”

Robertson added that the effects of the products are long-lasting, which is essential for plants that may face threats from insects and fungi. In contrast to petrochemicals and insecticides which can lead to pest resistance over time,he said Agriss products, derived from natural extracts, maintain their effects.

The business has received positive feedback from farmers, many of whom have expressed a strong demand for these organic alternatives.

Robertson said the goal of the business is to provide integrated solutions and services to farmers, rather than selling products, and that there is a commitment to complement existing suppliers and to enhance farmers’ livelihoods.

Robertson also highlighted the significance of partnership and collaboration in his mission to support more farmers in their transition to sustainable organic agriculture.

“We are not seeing the input warehouse and these other suppliers as competitors, because we are in this thing to improve the living standards of the farmers by giving them quality services,” the former Agriculture Chief concluded.