BusinessGrenada.com BusinessGrenada2019-2020 Issue 8 | Page 40

Agriculture Agriculture T he Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, has a mandate to contribute to the economic growth and sustainable development of Grenada.  This mandate places agriculture as one of the pillars of Grenada’s economy as the country focuses on achieving a significant level of food security and economic growth from this sector.  While Grenada has recovered well from two hurricanes in 2004 and 2005, in various sectors, the agricultural sector was an exception.  Nevertheless, the Ministry is committed to the revitalization of the sector so as to restore its contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.   The renewed emphasis on agriculture focuses on a replanting programme for nutmegs, much of which was destroyed following Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Emily (2005), rehabilitation of the cocoa industry and supporting value additions, expanding livestock development (especially small ruminants) and expanding fruit orchards.  Efforts are being made to get as much idle lands as possible under cultivation.  • Collaborating with regional and international agencies including CARICOM, OECS, CARDI, IICA, FAO, EU and GEF; • Evaluating and strategizing to improve the management and delivery of all its function. THE MINISTRY IS COMPRISED OF THE FOLLOWING DIVISIONS: • Administration • Agronomy • Bio Technology & Research • Extension • Fisheries • Forestry • Land Use • Farm Machinery/Mechanization • Pest Management THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE HAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FOLLOWING: • Veterinary and Livestock • Implementation of the National Forestry Policy; • Translating and implementing other national policies relating to its mandate; The development and management of an agricultural strategic plan; • Developing and implementing programmes that are economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sound; • Supporting programmes that would contribute to the economic and social well being of stakeholders; • Creating and maintaining an environment for enhancing productivity and competitiveness in the agricultural sector; www.businessgrenada.com • Education and training – developing and implementing public awareness programmes and training stakeholders; In order to achieve these, the restructuring and re-organization of the Ministry is necessary in order to provide improved leadership and support services.  • Implementing Grenada’s Agricultural Policy; 40 • Facilitating the production of safe food; • Produce Chemist Laboratory • Tissue Culture Laboratory STATUTORY BODIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE • Grenada Cocoa Association (GCA) • Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association • The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) • Minor Spices Association Despite accounting for only six per cent of Grenada’s GDP, agriculture makes a significant contribution to the livelihoods of most rural people. Sweet potato, cassava, yam, maize, cabbage, banana, golden apple and mango are a mongst the main staple foods, while nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, and ginger are the major spices grown on the island. The principal exports i nclude cocoa, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, banana, mango and avocado. As part of The Windward Islands Group, bananas www.businessgrenada.com were traditionally a major export for Grenada, but the dismantling of preferential trade arrangements with the UK/European Union in the 1990s, coupled with the damage caused by hurricane Ivan, negatively impacted production. Banana producers have also suffered significant losses due to the incidence of moko, black sigatoka and yellow banana leaf spot disease. Today, the fruit is grown primarily for the domestic market and is no longer exported to Europe. Agiculture has been one of the fastest growing livestock subsectors, with bee keepers exporting their honey both regionally and internationally and winning several prestigious international awards for the quality honey produced on island. Poultry, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle are the main livestock reared on a small scale. To promote the livestock sector, improved breeds of goat have been imported to develop the goat milk and meat industry. Livestock technicians have also been trained in artificial insemination of cattle, while the government is encouraging increased poultry production in order to reduce the high imports of poultry meat. Looking to the future, the ministry of Agriculture has identified research and development as one of their major priorities. In Grenada, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) is currently focused on fruit tree crop research and conservation, and production and distribution of hot pepper and vegetable planting material. The development of dwarfing technology for golden apple has been one of the Institute’s major achievements and on-farm demonstration plots are being established to transfer the system to the island’s farmers. Food quality and safety has also been given a high priority by the MoA in order to expand export markets, particularly to the European Union, in addition to the development of a national germplasm bank and establishment of manufacturing facilities to encourage further agro-processing. The ultimate vision is for a globally competitive agriculture sector, that ensures food security and sustainable livelihoods for the nation and farmers whilst maintaining a level of organic integrity and economic efficiency. Government at this time is looking to privatize many of its government owned farms. For more information contact the ministry of Agriculture. BG 41