Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday has urged young farmers to take full advantage of new training opportunities aimed at rebuilding St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ agricultural sector and strengthening national food security.
Speaking at Orange Hill on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, during remarks for the Agricultural Productivity Recovery and Young Farmers’ Training Project, Dr. Friday said the initiative comes at an important time as the country continues to recover from the effects of repeated natural disasters, including Hurricane Beryl.
He said the agricultural sector had suffered significant damage in recent years, disrupting the livelihoods of farmers and farming communities across the country.
The Prime Minister also pointed to global pressures, including wars in the Gulf and Ukraine, which he said have contributed to higher food prices, rising fertiliser costs, supply chain disruptions and uncertainty in the world economy.
Dr. Friday said small island developing states such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines are especially vulnerable to these shocks, making it more important to boost and diversify local agricultural production.
He described the project’s goal of increasing production by 10 percent as ambitious but achievable, urging those involved to be bold in pursuing improvements in the sector.
The Prime Minister said agriculture remains central to the country’s economic and social well-being, particularly food production.
He commended the Ministry of Agriculture and the Taiwan Technical Mission for working together on the programme, which he said directly addresses challenges facing the sector while creating opportunities for young people.
Dr. Friday noted that fewer young people are entering agriculture while many current farmers are getting older. He said young people will only remain in farming if they believe they can make a good living from it.
The project will train 75 young farmers, introduce new technology, strengthen extension services and develop demonstration centres at Orange Hill and Dumbarton.
According to the Prime Minister, those efforts are practical investments in the future of agriculture and must be supported by modern technology and stronger business practices.
He said agriculture also has the potential to create new export opportunities, noting that St. Vincent and the Grenadines once had an export-led agricultural sector through bananas.
Dr. Friday said the country must regain confidence in its ability to compete overseas while also growing more of its own food for national security.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of agribusiness and entrepreneurship, saying agriculture should not be viewed only through production. He said young people must also be equipped to participate in marketing, distribution, value-added products, technology and business development.
He added that increased local production would strengthen food security, create jobs, support farmers and generate economic activity in communities.
Dr. Friday also praised the continued partnership between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China on Taiwan, saying Taiwan has consistently supported development initiatives that benefit Vincentians.
Addressing the young farmers directly, the Prime Minister encouraged them to take the opportunity seriously, saying there is dignity in farming and strong potential for innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.
He also thanked extension officers, trainers and technical teams involved in the programme, saying their guidance and mentorship will be critical to its success.
Dr. Friday said the initiative should be seen as a long-term partnership with farmers and expressed hope that it would have a positive impact on agriculture, communities and families in the years ahead.