At present we stand prepared to offer additional support to farming and fishing communities in order to assist in developing a more robust food security system for the island.

In its ongoing effort to ensure the safety of the public, against the Covid 19 pandemic threat, the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries appealed to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund to assist with the supply of masks to protect the health of essential workers in the local food production chain. In addition to meeting local demand for fresh fruits, vegetables and ground provisions, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is also a major supplier to the neighbouring islands of Barbados and Trinidad for local agricultural produce, the demand for which has increased in the light of the pandemic.

To this end,  SVGEF commissioned a local  non-profit organisation based in the Grenadine island of Bequia, Bequia Threadworks, to make 1000 masks, to be distributed by the ministry to farmers, fishers, traders and port workers.

The initial  production batch  has been delivered and the pictures below show recipients responsibly protecting themselves and the public at large.

In the past the SVGEF has supported a home gardens project, whereby training and resources were provided to persons in rural communities to construct backyard gardens using purely natural farming methods and allowing for an ongoing healthy supply of vegetables, fruits and herbs for their families.

The SVGEF is joining the Conservation Collective’s joint initiative DREAM GLOBAL, EAT LOCAL. The group is committed to building long-term climate resilience by strengthening local food systems, and promoting land stewardship. Read more about the local food campaign.