GOV.VC
Five groups that are a part of the Youth Agri-entrepreneurship For Rural Development Project, received equipment totaling approximately Eighty-Seven thousand dollars (EC$87,000) to help boost their production in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
A handing over ceremony was held at the Fisheries Conference Room on Friday, 26th January, 2024, where the groups received industrial blenders, industrial stoves, oil extractors, stainless steel strainers, pot sets among other things.
Minister of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Youth, Housing, and Informal Human Settlement Hon. Orando Brewster, urged the groups to make use of the equipment and he’s expecting to see more produce and production happening due to these additional tools.
Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Saboto Caesar says that his government has taken the initiative to achieve the target set by CARICOM of reducing the food import bill by 25% by the year 2025 and projects like these contribute to the national effort.
He also stated that he expects to see products of the different groups in shops and supermarkets throughout Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and in neighboring Caribbean Islands.
The Agriculture Minister also mentioned that over 1000 businesses would be registered, involving upcoming young entrepreneurs.
A National Backyard Supply Chain Programme, which will be launched in February 2024, according to Minister Caesar, would encourage more people to engage in backyard farming and food production.
The groups that received equipment are: Infusiion.co, Chateau Pazzion, Bequia Dynamic Investors, IYAMCO, and YAMCO.
SOURCE: Agency For Public Information