By Dr. Rose-Ann Smith
During my PhD research conducted within the Carib communities of St. Vincent, I encountered a deeply rooted yet declining industry: arrowroot. While it was not the central focus of my research, the crop’s historical and cultural significance, especially among indigenous and farming communities, captured my interest. Since then, I’ve interviewed farmers and key stakeholders and reviewed several government documents and journal articles related to the industry. What emerged was a mix of pride, frustration, and renewed hope for the potential rebirth of this once-thriving crop. While I intend to publish a more detailed academic article on this subject, I believe it’s important for the Vincentian public to reflect on the role of arrowroot in our national development and to consider what must be done to ensure its future.
A brief history of the arrowroot industry
Did you know that St. Vincent once held a virtual monopoly on arrowroot production in the West Indies? For roughly three decades, this crop was a cornerstone of the country’s export economy.
Arrowroot has long been known to the indigenous Kalinago (Carib) people, who used it for both culinary and medicinal purposes, including as an antidote for wounds caused by poisoned arrows. However, it wasn’t until the post-emancipation era that the crop took on commercial importance. Formerly enslaved Africans began cultivating it, while plantation owners, facing the decline of sugar, recognised its potential and transitioned their operations accordingly.
With similar cultivation needs as sugarcane, arrowroot quickly became a dominant export crop. Its starch was in high demand in the UK and later the United States due to its unique properties. At its height, the industry contributed nearly 50% of St. Vincent’s foreign exchange earnings. But the 1960s marked a turning point. Advancements in global food processing led to the rise of cheaper alternatives substitutes that continue to undercut the cost of arrowroot to this day. Added to this was the growing discontent among farmers over low wages and the monopolisation of processing facilities, which led to a sharp decline in production.
By the late 20th century, nearly all factories had closed, with the last bastion of traditional processing being the Owia Arrowroot Factory, tragically destroyed by the La Soufrière volcanic eruption in April 2021. Thankfully, in 2020, the government secured a US$1.03 million grant from India via the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to revitalise the industry, focusing on climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous communities. I was especially encouraged to see that construction of the new facility was already underway.
A second chance: bright future or fading hope?
As I delved deeper into the sector’s evolution, I became increasingly hopeful about its revival. Global demand for arrowroot starch is on the rise again, driven by consumer trends toward clean-label, gluten-free ingredients. Pulidindi and Ahuja (2023) reported that the global arrowroot starch market was valued at US$2.59 billion in 2022, with projections reaching US$3.62 billion by 2032. This represents a clear opportunity for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to carve out a niche. With proper branding, investment in packaging, and focus on value-added products like baby foods, sauces, and gluten-free baked goods, Vincentian arrowroot could once again command premium prices.
The government’s plan to partner with Winfresh Ltd., a well-established exporter in the Windward Islands and UK, is a promising step forward. It addresses historical issues related to marketing and management, while plans for a modernised facility would help meet international standards.
A labour crisis rooted in culture and compensation
But there’s a key issue we can’t ignore: the growing reluctance of Vincentians, especially young people, to farm arrowroot. Several farmers reported their children saying, “Me nah go bury me foot to go dig arrowroot.” This sentiment captures a larger shift away from physically demanding agricultural work, especially among younger generations who see little reward or future in it.
Compensation has improved somewhat. A 2012 article in The Vincentian noted that the market price of arrowroot starch had increased from US$5 to US$7 per pound, prompting modest gains in acreage and farmer participation between 2009 and 2016. But even then, production could not keep up with demand. Global buyers want reliability. They want suppliers who can deliver full orders, not just a portion. This means that without addressing systemic issues, such as ageing farmers, labour shortages, and mechanisation, the industry’s revival may stall before it starts. We must also consider policy reforms, youth incentives, and educational campaigns to reconnect Vincentians with the land and the legacy of arrowroot. Our attitude cannot be “build it, they will come”.
Moving forward
Revitalising the arrowroot industry isn’t just about economics, it’s about cultural pride, food sovereignty, and climate resilience. With global demand climbing and infrastructure investment underway, the moment is ripe for a resurgence. But if we fail to address labour, education, and market reliability, we risk missing a critical opportunity. I remain optimistic. With the right strategy, leadership, and community support, St. Vincent and the Grenadines can reclaim its place as a world leader in arrowroot production, not just for export, but as a symbol of resilience, heritage, and possibility.
About the Author:
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith is a lecturer in the Department of Geography and Geology at The University of the West Indies, Mona. Her research focuses on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods.
We are tired of seeing these people propagate news that doesn’t benefit the country. We continue to be subservient to foreign companies. Talk about jobs for the youth. Talk about real progress. Fix the roads. Fix Agriculture. Fix fisheries. You are betting on the wrong horse.