St Vincent: Food Production in severe conditions due to climate change

St Vincent and the Grenadines: The devastating effects of climate change have left the agriculture and fisheries sector completely vulnerable stated the Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar.

While shedding light on the recovery efforts of the island nation from the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl, the Minister noted that this vulnerability has heightened the country’s risk of becoming food insecure.

The Minister added that destructions in the coastal and southern areas of the island nation have resulted in significant losses in the farm and fish enterprise. He asserted that the farmers and fisherfolk in the Grenadines are fighting with the considerable damages and losses of crops, property, livestock, fishing boats, equipment, gear, and their livelihood.

He also added that the pressure on agricultural imports will be magnified, which will have consequences for food availability and increased food prices. On the other hand, the loss of produce and fish landing which has become so apparent has also resulted in affecting the exports of goods.

However, he mentioned that the government of the island nation will make stringent efforts and is committed to ensure assistance to the affected sectors. He stated that the administration has boosted protective measures to tackle the impact of the Beryl on food security and the livelihoods of those who has been severely impacted.

The Minister asserted that the resources which will be provided to the affected individuals will prompt further measures with a vision to ensure that food supply chains are kept alive and regionally.

The Minister asserted that the food production sector of the country has been impacted by several destructions in the last 4 years and are still recovering from those including, Recovery of Beryl 2024, Recovery from drought 2020, and 2024, Recovery of Tropical Storm Bret 2023, Recovery from Freak Storm 2020, Recovery of Tropical Storm Fiona, Recovery post COVID-19 supply chain disruption and Recovery of volcanic eruptions of La Soufriere 2021.

Minister Caesar stated that the authorities are adamant to build back St Vincent and the Grenadines better in order to strengthen the resilience of food chains.