President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday has visited farmers across St Vincent, and the Vegetable Markets in Kingstown to highlight the importance of the agricultural sector as a pillar of the economy.

A release from the party states that the visit comes after his speech at the NDP Hope rally in which he offered hope building an economy that will create more and better jobs.

The economic plan is centred on four pillars, – agriculture, tourism, the blue economy and the new economy, the release states.

Friday and other members of the NDP will be making a number of visits to farmers to listen to them and discuss the challenges they face.

As part of his plan to make agriculture a pillar of the economy, the NDP said in its release that it would boost investment in the sector and create much-needed jobs for people across the country.

The plan to rebuild agriculture includes:

• Developing a cooperative system to help farmers purchase inputs at lower cost;

• Providing financing for new equipment to make farmers more productive;

• Focus on developing high-value crops; and

• Increasing domestic markets by encouraging hotels to buy local produce.

As well, the party will also have: Zero tolerance for praedial larceny; Develop the Agro-processing sector with a focus on overseas markets ensuring there are sustainable export markets abroad;

Assist farmers to engage in organic farming to fetch higher prices for their produce; and Develop a Marketing Agency to market farm produce.

“Our agricultural plan will ensure that there is a sustainable and efficient food security system, which will be geared towards a significant reduction in our food import bill,” the party promises.

Friday has said: “Under an NDP Government, agriculture will play a vital part in growing our economy. “Agriculture is part of our brighter future.”

The party’s shadow minister for Agriculture senator Israel Bruce, said: “Agriculture is a key part of the NDP’s plan to build the economy by getting more goods to markets and increasing exports. This will create several jobs, directly and indirectly.

“The NDP is committed to reversing growing unemployment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines by providing the skills and opportunities young people need to thrive here”.