Banana farmers battling Black Sigatoka disease received 66,000 gallons of free spraying oil, fishers in Dennery were equipped with lifesaving gear and hurricane-preparedness training, and 22 farmers graduated from intensive courses in climate-smart practices and emerging technologies. From subsidised inputs and tissue-cultured yams to hands-on dragon fruit and seedless watermelon production, Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development says it delivered practical support that boosted yields, strengthened food safety and built resilience against climate shocks in 2025.
Disease Control & Crop Support
Banana and plantain farmers hit by Black Sigatoka disease received 66,000 gallons of free spraying oil, stabilising production and restoring confidence. Crop insurance was launched for banana and plantain growers, offering financial protection against climate shocks. Farmers also benefited from island‑wide distribution of ground cover, reducing costs, suppressing weeds and reinforcing climate‑smart practices.
Fisheries & Maritime Safety
The Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) project strengthened fisheries through investments in post‑harvest handling, cold storage and market access. Licensed fishers in Dennery received safety equipment, grab bags, and hurricane‑preparedness training, improving resilience at sea. The Independent Seafood Festival celebrated local catch and underscored the importance of reducing food imports.
Farmer Training & Innovation
Capacity building was central: 22 farmers graduated from intensive training in good agricultural practices, post‑harvest handling, marketing, and emerging technologies such as AI. Innovation flourished with hands‑on training in cost‑effective dragon fruit production using galvanised supports, and the introduction of seedless watermelon under the Seven Crops Project. Tissue culture technology expanded yam varieties, supporting diversification and sustainability.
Policy & Institutional Advances
A memorandum of understanding with the Taiwan Technical Mission and the Climate Impact Data Enhancement Project strengthened national climate data systems. Collaboration with the Caribbean Cooperative Measurement, Reporting and Verification Hub advanced greenhouse gas accounting and mitigation measures, including hoop greenhouses and solar‑powered irrigation. Forestry officers received specialised training to reinforce Saint Lucia’s climate reporting under the Paris Agreement.
Food Safety & Standards
Food safety was elevated through HACCP training at the GLACE Supermarket bakery, ensuring compliance and protecting public health. Farmers also benefited from subsidised imports under the Seven Crops Project, easing access to essential inputs and reducing production pressures.
Sustainability & Community Engagement
A compost house at the Bordelais Correctional Facility transformed organic waste into nutrient‑rich compost, reducing waste and supporting food production. Backyard gardening workshops and the first Agriculture Care Day empowered households and youth, strengthening interest in agriculture as a viable livelihood. The Tree Crops Expansion and Rehabilitation Project boosted breadfruit, coconut, avocado and soursop production.
Coastal & Environmental Protection
Coastal resilience advanced with the unveiling of sargassum management equipment, donated through the UNDP and funded by Japan, mitigating impacts on communities and economic sectors.
Celebrations & Cultural Events
The year concluded with the Banana and Plantain Festival, showcasing innovation, nutrition, and local cuisine. A high‑level dialogue in October charted the next phase of Saint Lucia’s food system transformation toward resilience, inclusivity and nutrition.
This is heartening… not so sure about the “seedless watermelons”; sounds very GMO foods. Also when will SLU set up and manage agro-processing businesses.