Nevis Agri-Expo Praised By Minister Evelyn
Hon. Eric Evelyn, the Minister of Agriculture in Nevis spoke at the start of the two-day Agri-Expo 2023 held on March 30th. He credited the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to agriculture for the success of the 29th annual agriculture exposition, formerly known as the Agriculture Open Day, which was rebranded as Agri-Expo with the theme “Together for Food Sovereignty; Agri-Expo 2023.”
The Minister highlighted the significant progress made in the agriculture sector on Nevis over the years, including food production, fruit production, agro-processing, meat processing, animal production, and greenhouse technology (#ad). He noted that this year’s theme goes beyond food security and focuses on food sovereignty, which ensures that people have access to nutritious and culturally adapted foods grown in ecologically safe and environmentally sound conditions.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that the Agri-Expo has become a major event in Nevis and has evolved from a small agricultural fair to a large, well-organized exposition. The event showcased the island’s best produce, livestock, and products, and it provided an opportunity for farmers, fishers, and other participants to share their knowledge and experience with one another.
The Minister expressed his pride in the work that had been done and commended the management and staff at the Ministry and Department of Agriculture for their hard work, dedication, and professionalism. He also thanked their allied agencies for their partnership, including the Taiwan Government, Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and other government departments.
He acknowledged the invaluable support of the island’s farmers and participants who have helped to make the Agri-Expo the best showcase for agriculture on Nevis. The Minister noted that the farmers and fishers have been the backbone of the agriculture sector on Nevis, and they play a crucial role in ensuring food security and sovereignty for the island. He stated that the government is committed to supporting the farmers and fishers by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and infrastructure to improve their production and competitiveness.
The Minister further highlighted some of the initiatives and programs that the government has implemented to support the agriculture sector, including the provision of seedlings, fertilizers, and other inputs to farmers, the establishment of a farmer’s market, and the development of a national agriculture policy. He emphasized the importance of partnerships in moving the agriculture sector forward, and he called on all stakeholders to work together to achieve the common goal of food security and sovereignty for the island.
In conclusion, the Minister thanked everyone who had contributed to the success of the Agri-Expo and reiterated his commitment to supporting the agriculture sector on Nevis. He stated that agriculture is a vital sector for the island’s economic development and that the government will continue to invest in the sector to ensure its growth and sustainability. The Minister expressed his hope that the Agri-Expo will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come, and he encouraged everyone to support the event and the agriculture sector on Nevis.