Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Israel Bruce said his Ministry is focused on reducing national imports while increasing exports.

He made this statement during his contribution to the budget debate.

Minister Bruce said the figures for the importation of agricultural produce have continued to increase over the past five years, noting that the trend is concerning.

He said agriculture remains one of the cornerstones of national development and that his ministry will be working assiduously to ensure the growth of the country’s agricultural industry.

"It is important for us to understand that we objectively have our eyes laser beam focus on reducing importation and increasing exportation of agricultural produce, agricultural food. Because the figures are not pleasant for agri-food Madame Speaker, between the years 2020 and 2024, that five (5) year cycle. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines imported food items in 2020 $209.1 million. In 2021 $241.1 million is that figure going up or coming down? 2022 $287 million, 2023, little dip, $275 million, but by 2024, $314 million we are spending out of this country importing agriculture food."

SOURCE: National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC Radio)