On Monday, June 22, 2026, the Training Room Facility at the Agricultural Biotechnology Centre hosted a pivotal Peanut Yield Evaluation and Distribution session aimed at supporting local farmers and strengthening rural livelihoods.
The event is a key component of the “Strengthening Sustainable Value Chains Through Productive and Commercial Alliances” initiative. This program represents a major collaborative effort between the International Trade Centre, the European Union, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation.
The session brought together local farmers alongside officials from the Ministry and CARDI. During the event, Agricultural Diversification Officer Rohan McDonald emphasized the strategic value of peanut cultivation. He noted that growing peanuts not only promotes climate resilience and improves soil health, but also creates significant economic opportunities for farmers due to the crop’s strong market value.
Hon. Israel Bruce, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, addressed the attendees, urging farmers to carefully apply the guidance and technical recommendations provided by officials to maximize their land use and enhance production. He also extended his best wishes to the farmers for a highly productive planting season.
A highlight of the session was a detailed presentation by CARDI Representative for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Donawa Jackson, who shared the results of a recent peanut yield evaluation. The presentation covered critical agricultural data, including rainstorm distribution during the growing period, the number of days required for maturity, pod counts per plant, and metrics on moisture and weight loss.
The event concluded with the practical distribution of three distinct peanut varieties to the participating farmers. Ultimately, this initiative is designed to build capacity among farmers, drive agricultural diversification, and bolster food security throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.