The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has expressed its gratitude to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its ongoing support in greenhouse farming. Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Eric Evelyn, emphasized the critical role of FAO’s assistance during a recent meeting with its representatives.
Strategic FAO Support
The FAO has launched a project aimed at strengthening protected agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis, which promises to enhance local livelihoods, food security, and nutrition. Minister Evelyn acknowledged the value of the FAO’s initiative to repair greenhouses on Nevis but highlighted that the island’s newer greenhouses might benefit more from financial aid to expand their operations.
“There are many ways that this project can assist, apart from repairs,” Minister Evelyn stated. “If there is funding available to help new individuals venture into this type of technology, we will be very happy.”
Building Stronger Agricultural Capabilities
Minister Evelyn reiterated the administration’s commitment to advancing agricultural technology. He welcomed any form of assistance from the FAO, whether technical or otherwise, to foster collaboration and strengthen ties between the NIA and the FAO.
National Consultant Agent, Mr. Keithley Amory, noted that the FAO representatives were focused on evaluating all greenhouses to enhance productivity and rehabilitate those in disrepair. “The major aim of this assessment is to get the whole protected agriculture system up and running,” he said.
Youth Involvement and Agricultural Success
Minister Evelyn highlighted the involvement of young farmers in protected agriculture, underscoring its importance for the island’s food sovereignty. He pointed out the near self-sufficiency in lettuce production as a testament to the success of greenhouse farming on Nevis. “Our shade house farmers have done an extraordinary job, and their efforts have been widely recognized,” he added.
The FAO team, which included Anne Desrochers (Plant Production and Protection Specialist), Melvin Medina-Navarro (Lead Technical Officer and Plant Production and Protection Officer), Jervis Rowe (FAO Regional Consultant), and Hydeia Tyson (Nevis focal point for the project), conducted a thorough assessment during their visit.
Also present at the meeting were Mr. Randy Elliott, Director of the Department of Agriculture in Nevis, and Ms. Tanisha Weekes from the Ministry of Agriculture in St. Kitts.
