In a significant boost for local agriculture, Minister of Agriculture, the Honorable Israel Bruce, has announced a new export framework that will open United States markets to Vincentian dasheen farmers while guaranteeing a substantial increase in their earnings.
Speaking at a recent press briefing to report on his trade mission to California, Minister Bruce revealed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Happy Produce Global LLC, and Quantum Inc.. This agreement establishes a formal framework for the purchase of local dasheen, expanding international opportunities beyond the existing markets being developed in the United Kingdom and France.
Addressing recent concerns that local dasheen prices were “going to the dogs,” Minister Bruce announced a major financial victory for local producers. He noted that some farmers were currently receiving as little as $40 EC per sack, an amount he argued does not adequately cover the costs of planting materials, fertilizer, labor, and transportation.
“The dance can’t pay for the lights,” Bruce stated, emphasizing the need for better compensation. To rectify this, the Minister secured a commitment during the US negotiations ensuring that farmers will be paid a minimum of $100 EC per sack. This represents a 150% increase over the current low prices, with Bruce noting that prices could potentially go even higher.
Minister Bruce clarified that while the MOU is the crucial first step, it will soon be followed by formal contracts. Happy Produce Global LLC will select a local purchasing agent with international shipping experience to manage operations on the ground.
This agent will likely enter into direct agreements with farmers to cover everything from planting to harvesting. The goal is to ensure a reliable and consistent supply of dasheen, as US supermarkets require fully stocked shelves rather than sporadic shipments. Draft contracts are expected to be available for review shortly.
The framework also heavily integrates technology through the involvement of Quantum Inc.. The company is preparing to launch a digital platform that will directly link Vincentian farmers with global buyers. According to Minister Bruce, the platform will completely streamline the payment process; once dasheen is sold and shipped, a simple button press will instantly calculate and distribute payments to all participating farmers based on their specific contributions.
With vast amounts of dasheen already cultivated, Minister Bruce cautioned that farmers must be strategic to meet specific market demands. For example, buyers in Atlanta, Georgia, specifically seek dasheen weighing between one-and-a-half to three pounds, while other markets prefer larger sizes.
To avoid destabilizing the market through overproduction or scarcity, the Ministry’s agricultural extension services and planning unit will work closely with farmers—whether independently or through cooperatives—to properly scale and schedule their planting.
“My responsibility, as I said, the government’s role, is to create the enabling environment,” Minister Bruce concluded. “I’m now saying here’s the opportunity to sell your dasheen internationally and get good payment for the hard work that you’re doing”.