In addressing the official opening of the centre Parliamentary Representative for Marriaqua the Hon. Girlyn Miguel said the Centre will serve as a catalyst which will stimulate increase in production and processing of bananas, root crops, tree crops and vegetables. She said the establishment of the facility is a true demonstration of the government's dedication to agricultural development and diversifying around bananas and the reduction of poverty by increasing the number of agricultural and rural development programmes in all communities to enhance employment and the empowerment of Vincentians through education and training.

Minister Miguel encouraged farmers to continue working in agriculture, to be positive and committed. She said the agricultural sector is currently undergoing a state of transformation which is directly affecting farmers. She however said that despite the existing circumstances, it is a bright future for agriculture if farmers approach farming as a business because there is money to be made from farming.

Miguel said that good farming practices must be upheld to allow for competitiveness in the market place. She added that apart from the international advocacy and lobbying by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Renwrick Rose and other regional leaders and the missions in Europe and Washington, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has provided subsidy on fertilizers and diothene to the value of EC$1 Million hence making input cheaper despite the rising prices.

Minister Miguel called on farmers to produce the requisite volumes and quality bananas with consistency despite the plethora of existing changes. She said that there should be no shortcuts in carrying out good agricultural practices and that farmers must continue to caution and counsel others who do not follow good agricultural practices.