Saint Lucia, Indonesia agree to boost coconut, fruit processing

Saint Lucia and Indonesia have agreed to begin substantive agricultural projects in 2026, marking a new phase in their growing bilateral partnership.                              

At a meeting in Castries, officials from both governments reaffirmed their commitment to modernising Saint Lucia’s agricultural sector. 

The discussions built on earlier field assessments by Indonesian experts, which identified opportunities to upgrade coconut processing, expand acreage for oil-producing varieties, and introduce new equipment.

The roadmap now points to 2026 as the year when joint initiatives will move from planning to implementation. Priority areas include the processing of mangoes, breadfruit and other fruits, alongside continued work in coconut production.

Director of Agricultural Services Kemuel Jn Baptiste underscored the importance of the timeline. 

“This morning’s conversation was an affirmation of what is outlined in the roadmap. Saint Lucia will provide staff and technical support, while the Indonesian Government will assist with plants and equipment,” he said, noting the shared responsibility despite the 18,000-kilometre distance between the two nations.

Indonesian representative Herry Laksono echoed the sentiment, describing Saint Lucia as Jakarta’s priority partner in the Caribbean.

“We are here to expand our cooperation with Saint Lucia. Although we are far apart, we share similar development goals and must work together,” he said.

The partnership is expected to strengthen Saint Lucia’s food security and rural development efforts, while offering Indonesia a foothold in Caribbean agricultural cooperation. 

With substantive work slated to begin in 2026, both governments say the collaboration will deliver tangible growth for farmers and communities across the island.