The Ministry of Economic Development, Planning, Blue Economy and Cooperatives — Rural Development unit calls on all agricultural farmers, fishermen and livestock farmers across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique to intensify efforts to increase food production and strengthen the collective commitment to national food security.
Dr Stephen Fletcher, Head of the RDU, stated that, in the face of increasing unpredictable global uncertainties, with the attendant rising food prices, Grenadians must increase our capacity to feed ourselves.
The RDU urges farmers to:
- Expand cultivation of staple crops and vegetables that form the backbone of our national diet
- Intensify product diversification efforts to reduce our dependence on imports and ensure our resilience against external shocks
- Adopt climate-smart practices that safeguard yields while protecting our natural environment
- Actively seek to develop marketing channels and partnerships such as supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and vegetable markets to ensure that food reaches households at a reasonable cost and good quality
Dr Fletcher reminds all Grenadians that in these turbulent times, “food security” is not only a national priority — it is a matter of sovereignty, resilience, and national dignity. By increasing production, we will protect ourselves from external shocks such as ever-increasing import food prices and food supply chain disturbances while ensuring that every Grenadian family has access to affordable, nutritious, high-quality foods.
Dr Fletcher further reaffirms the Government of Grenada and the RDU’s support for farmers through training, technical assistance, grant funding, and building partnerships, all aimed at boosting productivity and strengthening livelihoods.
To complement farmers’ efforts, the RDU encourages households to:
- Adopt innovative smart agricultural and livestock practices
- To put Idle lands into use
- Buy Local First. Support our Grenadian farmers by purchasing local produce, which is fresher and more nutritious
- Engage in bulk purchasing and preservation. Buy staples in bulk and use freezing, drying, or pickling to extend the shelf life of products
- Engage in backyard gardening. Make use of the land around your house and grow your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs to reduce reliance on markets, while reducing your food bills
- Adopt (use) energy-efficient cooking. Use methods such as batch cooking and pressure cooking to save on energy costs
- Establish farmers’ cooperatives to produce and access affordable food, fish, and livestock
Failure to act decisively will leave our dear country vulnerable to external actors and circumstances. Together, we can secure Grenada’s future. Plant Today, Feed Tomorrow.
RDU
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