Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation - SVG

04/09/2026

Wednesday, 2nd September 2026: The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation received two (2) entry-level, solar-powered cameras from Laynes Hardware to support efforts to combat praedial larceny.

These cameras shoot in 8k and are equipped with backup battery systems, audio and video recording, GPS, SIM card capabilities and allow for real-time monitoring and alerts.
The cameras will be implemented on a trial basis to assess their effectiveness in deterring praedial larceny and supporting the collection of evidence for potential legal action.

Representative of Laynes Hardware, Kenneth Gonsalves, said that the company is enthusiastic about providing significant support to the agricultural sector. He also highlighted assistance in the form of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which can support access to agricultural areas.

Permanent Secretary (Ag), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, Colville King, expressed thanks to Laynes Hardware, adding that public-private partnerships are necessary to address national issues. Mr King emphasised that praedial larceny not only affects farmers, but carries negative implications for national food security and export possibilities.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, Hon Israel Bruce, expressed gratitude to Laynes Hardware for its support, noting that the initiative forms part of the Ministry’s multi-pronged approach to addressing praedial larceny. He further stated that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation will collaborate with the Ministry of National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration in strengthening the enforcement of the Praedial Larceny Act.

The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s continued push to encourage public-private partnerships as a means of addressing national challenges and strengthening support for the agricultural sector.

04/09/2026

Welcome to Cannabiz SVG Festival 2026

Formerly Cannabliss SVG Festival, we are now Cannabiz SVG Festival 2026 - a rebrand reflecting our renewed focus on collaboration, innovation, and trade in the medicinal cannabis industry.

October 29–31, 2026

Held under the theme, “Cultivating Strategic Partnerships for Cooperation and Trade,” the festival brings together industry professionals, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, healthcare practitioners, and members of the public to explore the future of the medicinal cannabis industry. Through insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities, the event fosters meaningful dialogue aimed at strengthening cooperation, driving innovation, and expanding regional and international trade.

Mark your calendar and be part of the conversations shaping the industry’s future.

Stay tuned for registration details, keynote announcements, and updates.

04/09/2026

Secondary Schools across the Caribbean Community are invited to share their perspectives on the importance and future of agriculture in the Region.

🎬 Create a 60-second video showing why agriculture matters to your community, your country and the Region.

📅 NEW DEADLINE: 11 September 2026, 11:59 PM AST

🏆 US$4,000 in prizes are up for grabs!
🥇 1st Prize – US$1,700
🥈 2nd Prize – US$1,300
🥉 3rd Prize – US$1,000

The first-place prize will be presented at the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture, taking place 27 September–2 October 2026 in Trelawny, Jamaica.

03/09/2026

August 31st 2026 - A number of hot pepper farmers gathered at the VincyFresh compound at the Diamond Industrial Estate to receive irrigation inputs under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Hot Pepper Intervention Project.
The packages which were handed over included a solar powered pump complete with a solar panel, plastic mulch, drip lines and other supporting components to aid in the irrigation of hot peppers.
Chief Agricultural Officer (Ag), Marcus Richards, outlined the value of the items towards Good Agricultural Practices, pest management and other related matters.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Israel R. Bruce, praised the farmer, Rohan Samuel, for consistency and resilience in the agriculture sector and noted that his desire is to have a conversation with the relevant stakeholders in the industry on the further development of the industry.
Hot pepper farmer and agro processor, Rohan Samuel, during a testimonial expressed his gratitude of being involved in the project.
FAO National Correspondent, Dr. Coleen Phillips, also attended the handing over ceremony and provided an overview of the hot pepper intervention and the purpose of the handing over exercise.

02/09/2026

✅🦜The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation is pleased to announce that the ban on the importation of birds have been lifted with immediate effect.

02/09/2026

Monday August 31st 2026 - the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) paid a visit to a demonstration plot on Kevin Glasgow’s farm in the Majorca Mountain.

In a continued effort to ensure National Food Security and to lower the food import bill of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, CARDI is evaluating the performance of five different varieties of carrot.

Senior Agricultural Officer, Philbert Gould, said that the exercise represents a direct step towards national food security, reduced import bills and higher profitability for rural communities.
The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC).

According to Project Coordinator Cindy Cathy Eugene, the centre’s role is to guarantee market access and to continue initiatives of this kind. The International Trade Centre is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation focused on helping small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries succeed in global trade.

Chief Agricultural Officer (Acting) Marcus Richards said that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a history of carrot production and export. He expressed confidence that the trade can be re-established.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation Hon Israel Bruce spoke about the importance of CARDI’s efforts towards Food security, and he encouraged the involvement of more youth in the process of food production.

01/09/2026

✅Tune in and join the discussion at 9:00 a.m today.

On tomorrows’s episode of SVG LAW & ORDER we are joined by three special guests!
Minister of Agriculture the Hon. Israel Bruce, Chief Agricultural Officer (Ag.) in the Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Marcus Richards and Station Sergeant Disraeli Lett.

Join us at 9am to be part of this discussion!

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

29 August, 2026 - Fourteen members of the Eco-Home Garden Project and Helen’s Daughters participated in a targeted agricultural training session today at the Dumbarton Agricultural Station. The activity focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of the value-chain approach and improving their technical knowledge of soursop, coconut and passion fruit production.
Facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the session emphasized the importance of viewing agriculture as more than primary production and more about community livelihoods. Participants explored how decisions made about agriculture value chains including commodity selection, and production planning can influence access to markets.
The training also introduced participants to approaches for identifying and selecting high-priority agricultural commodities. Discussions highlighted the need to consider market demand, and opportunities for value addition when deciding which commodities to develop or markets to leverage.
Technical presentations covered recommended production practices for soursop, coconut and passion fruit. Participants were introduced to key considerations for establishing and managing these crops, including planting-material selection, crop nutrition, orchard management, pest and disease management, and the importance of maintaining healthy and productive plants. The session also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss practical production challenges and relate the information to their own farms and home gardens.
The activity formed part of a wider week of agricultural capacity-building undertaken by the FAO team in collaboration with national stakeholders. Earlier in the week, 30 farmers and technical staff from the Ministry responsible for agriculture participated in a comprehensive training session at the Barrouallie Learning Resource Centre.
That session examined the botany and production of coconut and soursop in greater depth. It strengthened participants’ understanding of plant growth and development while covering practical considerations for crop productivity. Bringing farmers and technical officers together also supported the exchange of field experience and technical knowledge.
The two activities reflect the partnership continued support for building the capacity of farmers, community organizations and agricultural personnel in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines