Taiwan, SVG strengthen agricultural partnership with new initiative

Taiwan Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Fiona Huei-chun Fan and SVG’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Saboto Caesar, have signed the “Implementation Arrangement for the Agricultural Productivity Recovery and Young Farmers’ Training Project”.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in sustainable agriculture and youth empowerment, further strengthening national resilience and food security, the Taiwan embassy said in a press release.

Over the past four decades, Taiwan and SVG have collaborated extensively in agriculture, investing in food security, job creation, and technological advancements.

Strategic projects, such as the Orange Hill Biotechnology Centre, have demonstrated how modern infrastructure and cutting-edge agricultural technology can drive economic growth and enhance livelihoods.

However, challenges remain. The devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 severely impacted key agricultural areas, jeopardising food production and the livelihood of many farmers.

Additionally, youth unemployment and an ageing agricultural workforce pose significant hurdles to the sector’s long-term sustainability.

In response, Taiwan has pledged US$2.5 million to support agricultural recovery efforts and equip young farmers with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. This initiative will integrate modern farming techniques, smart agriculture, and vocational training, ensuring that young farmers are well-prepared for the future.

Key Components of the Young Farmers’ Training Programme:

• Nine training sessions reaching 360 farmers on environmental control cultivation, water-saving techniques, and smart agriculture.

• Advanced training for 75 young farmers, focusing on crop management, post-harvest techniques, and business development.

• Introduction of agricultural technology courses into secondary schools, fostering early exposure to modern farming practices.

• Entrepreneurial training, equipping young farmers with skills in brand management, marketing strategies, and financial planning.

Beyond training, this initiative will transform the Orange Hill Biotechnology Centre into a regional agri-technology hub, expanding its capabilities in seedling preparation, tissue culture, emerging crop trials, composting, food processing, and smart agricultural applications.

Once fully implemented, the centre will position itself as a Caribbean Regional Agriculture Training Centre, fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing across the region.

“This project is a testament to what can be achieved when nations work together toward a common goal,” Fan said, highlighting Taiwan’s unwavering commitment to food security, climate resilience, and economic prosperity in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Through this initiative, Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are paving the way for sustainable agricultural development, youth empowerment, and regional collaboration. As both nations move forward, this project is expected to serve as a model for innovation and cooperation throughout the Caribbean,” the press release said.