St Vincent and the Grenadines will play host to a pivotal workshop aimed at evaluating and enhancing the country’s hot pepper sector. The two-day event, starting Wednesday, 22 May 2024, is organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry, and Labour.
The opening ceremony will feature a special presentation by Honourable Saboto Caesar, the Minister of Agriculture. Dr. Renata Clarke, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Caribbean, will also deliver key remarks.On the second day, 23 May 2024, Dr. Omardath Maharaj, FAO’s Agribusiness Finance Specialist, will lead a critical session on the cost of production for hot peppers, offering training and insights to participants.
The workshop will engage a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, agro-processors, extension workers, retailers, distributors, exporters, women, and youth groups. Alongside the main sessions, there will be several meetings with public and private sector representatives and site visits to local hot pepper farms and processing facilities.
These activities are part of a broader effort to develop the hot pepper and dasheen sectors, bolstering their positions in local, regional, and international markets. The workshop is a key component of the FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme project, “Promoting Windward Islands Food Production and Trade Corridor through national and regional value chain development.”
