Effective January 10, Saint Lucia banana farmers, were again able to benefit from a 30% discount on fertilizer. According to Agriculture Minister Alfred Propere, his Ministry will once again commence the second phase of subsidies on fertilizers to banana farmers to assist with quality and production issues. From September to December 2022, the government already provided relief to banana farmers via a subsidy on several fertilizer blends. Farmers were entitled to two of the 50kg bags or four 25kg bags of fertilizer per acre. Approximately 325 farmers benefited from the first subsidy.
Prospere says there is a high demand for bananas out of Saint Lucia; however, local farmers need to supply the quality and quantities desired. He is hopeful that farmers will take advantage of the subsidy, which will assist them in their production. Saint Lucia currently exports bananas to Barbados, Antigua, Trinidad, St Maarten and St Thomas.
Source: stlucia.loopnews.com