Saint Lucia boosts awareness of value-added sea moss products

Castries, Saint Lucia: World Food Day commemorates the date of the founding of the UN-led Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. The goal of the FAO is to raise global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger, as well as the need to ensure healthy diets for all.

This year, to commemorate World Food Day, the Ministry of Agriculture hosted a Sea Moss Fiesta under the theme “Leave No One Behind – Better Production, Better Nutrition, and a Better Environment for All.”

The event aimed to encourage a shift in public habits toward an increase in the use of locally-grown crops such as sea moss, by allowing people to view and purchase a variety of value-added sea moss products.

Coordinator of the World Food Day Activities within the Ministry of Agriculture, Phillip Sydney said the ministry’s strategy to address food security is critical due to rising food import bills. He added that sea moss, for example, is a valuable product that can help improve food and nutrition security.

“This is another initiative geared at ensuring that Saint Lucians consume more of what is produced locally,” he said. “Our mantra is Eat Fresh—Saint Lucia’s Best, and this year the Department of Fisheries focused on the production of sea moss and showcased the variety of foodstuffs that can be derived from sea moss production.”

The Sea Moss Fiesta featured 20 sea moss processors, farmers, and schools displaying products such as sea moss drinks, gel, ice cream, supplements, powder, and spa products. The Ministry of Agriculture also launched a sea moss catalogue.

The event was held on Sunday, Oct. 16, at Fond d’Or.