The United Workers Party considers Agriculture a critical factor for reducing poverty, creating employment and generating income. UWP believes that agriculture is a fundamental instrument in Saint Lucia’s quest for sustainable development particularly in rural areas and the general economy. In this regard the UWP has fostered a commercialised and entrepreneurial approach to farming and fishing; and created the environment to enable the private sector to effectively participate in the development of the sector.
This UWP government has tackled these issues by:
- Constructed the New Volet Livestock Station
- Constructed the New National Diagnostic Facility
- Constructed the New Banana Ripening Facility in Dennery
- Established the 7 Crop Food Import Substitution Programme which focuses on growing Pineapples, Watermelons, Cantaloupe, Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers and Lettuce
- Constructed the New Packing House Facility in Odsan
- Attracted Over 600 New Farmers to join the Industry
- Given out Over 300 Duty Free vehicles to farmers
- Established the Fond Assond Agroprocessing Facility
- Rehabilitated the Anse Ger Agroprocessing Facility
- Introduced a Farming Mobile App to assist farmers and agricultural officers
- Communication equipment given to fisherfolk to improve safety at sea
- Rehabilitated the Anse Ger Cocoa Fermentary
- Introduced Pensions and Insurance for Farmers