On Monday, August 24, 2026, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Technical Mission commenced a comprehensive Coconut Training at the Orange Hill Agriculture Biotechnology Centre facilitated by Dr. Abel Reboucas, FAO Consultant.
The purpose of this mission is to strengthen the technical capacity of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ coconut sector through a comprehensive training programme on modern coconut production and management practices.
The training addresses a long-standing need to update technical knowledge within the sector by introducing proven production, nursery management, rehabilitation, pest and disease management, and value chain approaches that have contributed to the successful development of coconut industries in countries such as Brazil and the Dominican Republic.
By exposing technical officers, extension personnel, farmers, and other stakeholders to these best practices, the mission aims to enhance local expertise and support the revitalization of the national coconut industry.
Day one of the training focused on strengthening the knowledge of farmers and technicians in modern coconut production, in addition to management practices. The programme began with a presentation on coconut market overview and opportunities, followed by training on soil and climate requirements, coconut varieties and hybrids, and propagation and nursery management.
In addition, the mission will include a rapid training session on soursop botany and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). The visiting Fruit Tree Crop Specialist also has extensive expertise in soursop production, a high-potential fruit crop identified for development in the Region. Building on FAO’s recent work to strengthen the soursop value chain in Belize and Grenada, the session will introduce participants to best practices in orchard establishment, crop management, and production techniques to support improved productivity and fruit quality such as pruning and hand pollination.
The training forms part of the FAO project “Building Effective Public-Private Partnerships for Production and Marketing of Sustainable Agricultural Products” (TCP/SVG/4001) and is aimed at supporting improved productivity, farmer capacity and the sustainable growth of the national coconut industry.
