On November 8th, 2023, the Black Bay Farmers and Consumers Co-operative, renowned for its unwavering commitment to agriculture in St. Lucia, witnessed a significant boost as crucial resources for their nursery project were officially delivered including greenhouse materials, mist irrigation systems, seeds, peat moss, fungicide, and knapsack sprayers.
Gathered to witness the event were officials from WUSC, Dr. Nadia Pacquette-Anselm, Country Coordinator for the OECS, Mr. Craig Anderson, AgrI Business & Marketing Officer, Mr. Faustinus Monero, Field Facilitator, Ministry of Agriculture Extension Officer for Region 5, Ms. Yancy Wilson and the President of the Black Bay Farmers and Consumers Co-operative, Mr. Jovan Beausoleil
The Nursery project aims to champion sustainable agriculture practices by cultivating local and sustainable plant varieties.
Additionally, it seeks to generate economic benefits for both cooperative members and the broader community through the sale of vegetable-grafted and a wide variety of other seedlings.
Mr. Beausoleil, President of the Black Bay Farmers and Consumers Co-operative, expressed his gratitude to WUSC Caribbean and the Ministry of Agriculture for helping the Cooperative take proactive steps towards a shared goal.
“We are now beginning to see the fruits of this project. I’m sure our membership is grateful for this gesture. It falls right in line with our business plans and so Ii would like to say thank you,” said Mr. Beausolei.
Dr. Anselm, Saint Lucia’s Country Coordinator for WUSC Caribbean, stressed the importance of grassroots movements in addressing global environmental challenges and lauded the Black Bay Cooperative for taking proactive steps towards sustainability.
“It’s really heart-warming to be able to support a cooperative like yours, Black Bay, with the will and the skill and of course the history over the years to support other farmers. This initiative is timely because it echoes climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and it also echoes innovation in agriculture. We are grateful that this partnership with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture aims to promote vegetable grafting as a key instrument to prevent diseases especially in vegetables.”
The receipt of crucial inputs for the Black Bay Cooperative’s nursery project signifies a crucial stride toward sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
With the right resources in hand, the cooperative is poised to embark on a journey of sustainable agriculture, ensuring the growth of healthy plants that will positively impact the local environment.
This milestone underscores not only the cooperative’s dedication to cultivating native plants but also its holistic approach, intertwining agricultural practices with community resilience and environmental well-being.
SOURCE: Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean Project
