
TaiwanICDF Agricultural Project in Saint Lucia Wins Farmers’ Approval
To showcase our achievements in sustainable agriculture, the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) has released a short documentary. The video – titled “Sustainable Agriculture for a Better Future” – explores the outcome of the Saint Lucia Agricultural Production and Marketing Efficiency Enhancement Project (Phase II). The video was launched on February 7, 2024 on the TaiwanICDF’s official Facebook and YouTube channels. In vivid detail, it explores how Taiwan is enhancing agricultural efficiency in the Caribbean through international cooperation, demonstrating tangible progress in sustainable agriculture.
The project focused on seasonal fruit and vegetable production in Saint Lucia, where instability in agricultural output has led to a heavy reliance on imports. The TaiwanICDF has been tackling the issue since 2019 when it implemented the first phase of the project, which involved collecting production and marketing data, providing technical guidance, and expanding sales channels. These efforts effectively improved farmers' incomes and boosted consumer confidence. The second phase further focuses on applying agricultural technology and optimizing production and marketing systems. Through the project, the TaiwanICDF has been introducing techniques such as drip irrigation, improved irrigation infrastructure, and tunnel greenhouses, resulting in enhanced production stability. Additionally, an aim of the project has been to promote food safety certification to enhance the safety and international competitiveness of local produce.
The documentary captures the transformation of packaging facilities into production and marketing centers and the diversification of sales channels. Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education has been an invaluable partner in the project, using its output to provide school lunch ingredients across eight districts. Moreover, through the partnership, farmer’s markets have been organized to expand sales to retail and hospitality sectors. These initiatives have significantly improved farmers’ incomes while establishing trust in local agricultural products.
One of the beneficiaries, farmer Cantius Samuel, shares in the video: “I transitioned from fishing to farming because of dwindling fish stocks and limited market opportunities. Now, with technical support, I can access production resources at a lower cost and solve problems efficiently. I am very satisfied, and happy to be a farmer.” His story exemplifies the project’s positive impact on both the local economy and individual livelihoods.
Saint Lucian Ministry of Agriculture official Adline Eudovique remarks in the video: “This is an extremely successful project, and we are honored to collaborate with the Taiwanese government. We will continue working towards even greater accomplishments in the future.”
Through real-life footage and touching stories, the video invites audiences to witness the agricultural transformation in Saint Lucia. It is now available on the TaiwanICDF’s official website and social media platforms, providing an opportunity for viewers to learn how Taiwan contributes to sustainable development through international cooperation.
- Update: 2025/03/07
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