Thursday, 8th February, 2024: The National White Potato Production Project was launched at the Montreal Greenhouse Park unveiling SPUNTA E and DESIREE as the main potato varieties for the initiative.

This initiative is a key component of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' commitment to the CARICOM 25 by 25 initiative and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ National Diversification Programme.

Led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, in collaboration with the Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Government of Dominica, and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the project aims to cultivate a skilled group of farmers dedicated to producing 5 million EC dollars’ worth of white potatoes annually for local consumption.

Hon. Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, emphasized the importance of the initiative and encouraged farmers to seize the opportunity to participate. He also expressed optimism about the project's success and its contribution to food security and sovereignty in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Mr. Ruthvin Harper, Research Officer, highlighted the crucial role of the Extension Unit and the Research and Development Unit in providing technical support to farmers throughout the project.

The White Potato Project comes at a time of increasing growth in the hospitality industry in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, further highlighting the importance of local production to support economic growth and sustainability.

The first trial plot is expected to be established at the Rivulet Agricultural Station in the coming week.

SOURCE: Ministry od Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour