A high-level agriculture consultation aimed at boosting cooperation in agriculture between Saint Lucia and Taiwan, ended on Friday, Nov. 9, after five days of consultations in Taiwan.

The team from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives, consisted of ministers Hon. Ezechiel Joseph and Hon. Herod Stanislas, with support from Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan), Edwin Laurent.

On the agenda at the meetings held with Taiwanese officials and subsequently, the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), were the challenges facing agriculture and farming in Saint Lucia, and how productivity could be strengthened.

The ministers highlighted to their Taiwanese counterparts the devastating impact of hurricanes and severe weather on agriculture, that Saint Lucia has experienced in recent years; and the changes in the global climate that makes it imperative for Saint Lucia to adapt and build resilience.

The meetings explored how best the countries can collaborate to address such challenges. Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives Hon. Herod Stanislas said the meeting resulted in many positives. Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the mission and their expectations for enhanced collaboration and support from Taiwan in the upgrading of local agriculture and the revitalization of the banana industry.