St Lucia: Ernest Hilaire outlines significance of agriculture sector in Mango Expo

Castries, St Lucia: Minister for Tourism, Dr Ernest Hilaire, outlined the significance of the agriculture sector while calling it the major source of the connection to the other industries. The statement has been delivered by Hilaire 2022 Mango Expo of Saint Lucia. 

Dr Ernest Hilaire asserted that recently, research indicates the agriculture sector is one of the largest employers in the world as it is critically connected to other industries. The minister lamented the extraordinary cost of the island’s food import bill and conveyed the country’s need to focus on food security.

“There are four pillars of food security. Let us focus on it. The first is food availability, which means having available the quantity and quality of food that is needed. It takes into consideration domestic production, import capacity, food aid and stocks. The second is food accessibility, which means having the physical and economic ability to access food. 

This is determined by transportation and the movement of food, infrastructure, markets, foods, income, and the purchasing power of the population. The third pillar, food utilization, is ensuring that food is nutritious and wholesome, and it must be adequately utilized by the body. 

Concentration is placed on food safety measures, food quality, the nutritional health of food and value to the consumer. The fourth pillar, food supply stability, ensures there is access to a constant and stable supply of good quality and wholesome foods for all.”

Dr Hilaire asserts the need to address food security considering the issues of global food security and food price inflation.

“Therefore, as a nation, if we are to address food security, we have to enhance and strengthen all of the four areas. At the broader level, our government has actioned some practical and strategic activities to improve food security.”

Further, Minister Hiliare also had another meeting of the Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC), where they presented a first draft of the Tourism Development Bill to members of the committee and stakeholders. 

This bill promises to transform the Tourism Industry and make it more inclusive and beneficial for all Saint Lucians.