Kingstown St. Vincent May 20, 2026-Minister of Social Welfare and Community Empowerment, Ecclesiastical Affairs and National Heritage, Shevern John has called on more young people in St Vincent and the Grenadines to pursue agriculture, warning that food security and rural development depend on a new generation entering the sector.
Speaking at the launch of the Young Farmer Training Programme and Midterm Showcase in Orange Hill, the minister said agriculture remained one of the country’s key economic pillars and stressed the need to make farming more attractive to young people.
“What we’re seeing here today are young people who are interested in the future of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” she said.
“In a world where many young people are moving away from the land, you have chosen to invest your energy, talent and creativity into farming and food production.”
Ms John described the participating trainees as “the future”, saying their involvement was critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the country’s agricultural sector.
The minister said the programme would help equip young farmers with modern methods and technologies aimed at increasing agricultural production and strengthening national food security.
“We must encourage all of our people to get back to the land, increase production and use the technologies that are available to increase food security for future generations,” she said.
She also highlighted the economic importance of agriculture to rural communities, particularly in North Windward, where the Taiwan Technical Mission has operated for more than four decades.
The minister thanked the government and people of Taiwan for continued support through agricultural training, technical assistance and development programmes.
“The people of St Vincent and the Grenadines have benefited tremendously from your contribution,” she said.
The Young Farmer Training Programme forms part of wider efforts by the government and international partners to encourage youth participation in farming amid concerns about food imports, an ageing farming population and the long-term resilience of the agricultural sector.