Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation and Industry Hon. Israel Bruce, has called on the Ministry’s leadership, technical officers and staff to embrace the 2027 budget preparation exercise as a transformative opportunity to strengthen agriculture, enhance food security and accelerate rural development in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Minister Bruce made the call while addressing a gathering of Ministry staff during the launch of the Ministry’s 2027 budget preparation exercise at the UWI Global Campus on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
In his address, the Minister emphasized that the budget exercise should not be viewed as a routine annual process but as a strategic opportunity to position agriculture at the centre of the Government’s economic transformation agenda.
“The 2027 budget is not a routine budget cycle. It is a defining opportunity for all of us to shape the future of agriculture, forestry and rural transformation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s vision of building a resilient economy driven by four priority sectors—agriculture, tourism, the Blue Economy and the Orange Economy—stressing that agriculture remains central to achieving sustainable economic growth and national food security.
He urged every division within the Ministry to carefully examine how its programmes and budget proposals can contribute to reducing the country’s dependence on imported food while increasing local production.
“When we expand local production of vegetables, root crops, citrus, livestock, poultry and agro-processed products, we keep millions of dollars circulating within our economy instead of sending those resources overseas,” he said.
Minister Bruce outlined several strategic priorities for Budget 2027, including expanding production of key agricultural commodities, rehabilitating the citrus industry, strengthening livestock production, improving farm access roads, expanding agro-processing, increasing market opportunities for farmers and building stronger linkages between agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.
The Minister also reiterated the importance of adding value to locally produced commodities through the production of juices, sauces, dried fruits, packaged meats, essential oils and other agro-processed products to improve farmers’ incomes and expand export opportunities.
Addressing one of the sector’s most persistent challenges, Minister Bruce described praedial larceny as a national security concern that continues to discourage agricultural production.
He called for stronger legislation, improved enforcement, greater collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and the use of modern technologies such as drones and digital tracking systems to protect farmers and agricultural investments. “Protecting farmers is protecting the nation,” he told those in attendance.
Minister Bruce also highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to rural transformation, noting that investments through programmes such as the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) continue to improve farm access, community infrastructure, water systems and educational facilities across rural communities.
Recognizing that innovation must underpin future agricultural growth, the Minister stressed the need for increased investment in research and development, including strengthening the Ministry’s plant and soil laboratories to provide scientific support through soil analysis, plant disease diagnostics and other technical services.
Turning his attention to the next generation of farmers, Minister Bruce acknowledged the ageing farming population and underscored the importance of attracting young people into agriculture.
He highlighted two recent initiatives aimed at engaging youth in the sector. The first was a two-week agriculture training programme organized by the Ministry’s Rural Transformation Unit, which exposed students to practical agricultural skills and opportunities within the industry.
The Minister also referenced the successful completion of the training of the first cohort of participants under the Young Farmers Training Project, a collaborative initiative between the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), Taiwan. The programme saw 18 young participants successfully complete five months of intensive training in both traditional and modern agricultural production techniques. To support youth entrepreneurship in the sector, three top graduates were awarded a total of EC$24,000 to establish their own farming enterprises.
Minister Bruce said these initiatives demonstrate the Ministry’s commitment to building the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs and will be strengthened through further investments in greenhouse production, smart irrigation, drone technology, agricultural mechanization and digital extension services.
He also identified several industries that will receive focused attention under Budget 2027, including the modernization of the arrowroot industry, the continued expansion of agro-processing, sustainable forestry management and the development of the medicinal cannabis industry.
Minister Bruce emphasized that traditional cultivators must remain central to the continued growth of the medicinal cannabis sector and called for greater opportunities to support their participation.
As he concluded his address, the Minister encouraged every member of staff to approach the budget preparation process with innovation, urgency, precision and a shared commitment to national development.
“Let us craft a budget that reflects the future we want for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—a future where agriculture drives economic growth, rural communities prosper, our forests remain strong and our people enjoy greater opportunity and resilience.”
The Ministry’s 2027 budget preparation exercise will inform investment priorities aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity, reducing food imports, supporting rural transformation and advancing the Government’s broader economic development objectives.
