The Ministry of Agriculture will be seeking to address concerns about the Vincy Fresh Agro‑Processing Programme in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

During his budget presentation on Tuesday, February 10, Minister of Agriculture the Honourable Israel Bruce told Parliament that farmers have been voicing serious concerns about this initiative.

"I journeyed to Vincy Fresh to find out what is going on with this great prospect for agriculture in Saint Vincent. Branded products, footprint in the market place, respectability, experience in marketing and all of it. Some people may not want me to say this, but we have people in that company cashing $10 thousand a month and has not been in this country for well over seven months."

The Agriculture Minister also revealed that the programme carries a huge bill, and his Ministry aims to reduce it by mid-March 2026.

"That Vincy Fresh when we came to office finds itself in an indebtedness to the ALBA Bank in the tune of twenty-four, almost $25 million. But you know, I am challenging myself and my colleagues in the Ministry that by the time we hit the 15th of March 2026, that we can come to this Government, this Parliament and say we have reduced that bill from $25 million down to $5 million, saving this country $20 million through Vincy Fresh."

SOURCE: National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC Radio)