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Tuesday 25 October 2011
St. Kitts Business Update
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First ever Tractorcade
Junior SPIRIT also has an impressive, dangling prize for members who join the tractorcade in the wackiest Farmer Brown costume! Whether it be an overall, muddy boots or at simplest, a straw hat, make sure you come out and join in the fun! The event climaxes at the Sandy Point market for an afternoon of games, story telling and an open-air feast of local dishes. The event will also highlight a Farmers Recognition Award, in association with Sandy Point Agricultural Cooperative Society (SPACS).
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.183778801668508.41240.100001091679436&type=1
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.183784095001312.41241.100001091679436&type=1
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.183804351665953.41248.100001091679436&type=1
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.183810608331994.41253.100001091679436&type=1
Farmers fighting back
By Andre Huie WINN FM
Basseterre, St. Kitts: Sweet potato farmers are seeing a reduction in the infection of their crops by the sweet potato weevil. According to Mr. Eric Browne from the St. Kitts Agriculture Department, the farmers have been using baits in their fields to help trap the weevils before they begin infecting the crops.
Mr. Browne explained how the sweet potato weevil trap is set. In August of this year a two-day workshop was held with sweet potato farmers in St. Kitts Nevis on how to deal with the sweet potato weevil, which has been an ongoing challenge to their crop production. Reports are that some farmers lose in excess of 75 percent or their entire crop of sweet potato to this pest. Mr. Browne explained back then that farmers were urged to keep their farms clean of the weevil as it is damaging sweet potatoes across St. Kitts. Removing potato crops infected by the weevil was also recommended, according to Mr. Browne said. He was not able to say at the time of the recent interview with WINN FM, by how much crop production has been restored since the sweet potato weevil baits have been used. (October 23, 2011)
Source: http://www.winnfm.com/news2.asp?NewsID=7568
Sunday 23 October 2011
Fighting For Food Security Film
The Technical Centre for Agricultural
and Rural Cooperation – ACP/EU (CTA) in collaboration with the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Trinidad & Tobago Film Company launched in July 2010. The main objective of this competition is to encourage the use of
ICTs by young professionalism improving the environment for agricultural
science and innovation in the Caribbean region. It encourages creative,
technology savvy young professionals (persons 18-35 years) with a passion for
communicating ideas and an interest in leveraging science and technology for
agricultural and economic development to participate.
Eight countries submitted entries with
Trinidad and Tobago proudly presenting 23 of the 39 entries. Jamaica, Barbados,
St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Haiti, Grenada and Suriname were among the
other countries providing entries. “New technologies and Youth in Agriculture”
is the category which was chosen by our group, and we were able to secure the 14th spot amongst the top 25 regional countries selected to compete in the finals of
the film and video competition.
We were also fortunate enough to travel to Trinidad in December 2010 from the 14th to the 16th to take part in a video and film work shop and training session. We once again travel to Trinidad in August 2011 from the 22nd to the 25th to take part in the awards ceremony.
Although we were unable to win the competition the experience was life changing and we have certainly impacted our community in a positive way.We continue to use the techniques learnt to promote as well as build interest for agriculture within the tender minds of the youth.
Link: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150613480280328&set=o.104005443000373&type=2&theater
No Markets to sell our Produce
No Markets to sell our Produce
Despite the incredible quality of vegetables grown locally our local farmers are still facing different levels of challenges. One type of such stumbling block is the inability of farmers to
capitalize on the increasing popular markets in the tourism industry, via
hotels, restaurants etc. Even when there are bands placed upon certain commodities
that are flourishing within the federation, it is still difficult to convince
hotels, restaurants and supermarkets owners to buy local produce. Most hotel,
restaurant and supermarket owners complain that the inconsistency within the
farming industry is detrimental to their businesses. Because most farmers
operate on a rain fed system, if the rain fall is high in the rainy season he
or she may be able to supply fresh fruits and vegetables in a somewhat consistent
manner. This type of uncertainty creates doubt in the consumers mind and costumers are not willing to buy the farmer’s produce and lose out on the special
deals from the overseas producers. Many farmers today are finding it more difficult
now than ever, it is much hard to compete with the cost of imported vegetables. This is
because the cost of farming inputs are raising constantly and in order for the
farmer to cover his cost, the farmer then must raise the price of his produce
in order to accomplish such. Yet the government is short coming with proper
policies and incentives to truly help the farmer in his time of need.
The sandy Point Agricultural
Cooperative Society Ltd saw the need for a marketing arm, thus the Sandy Point
Market was reopened. The reopening of the market was one of their main goal, hence it was Saturday morning the 3rd of July 2010 that vision became a reality, and the market is still operational
one year later. It was due to the heart aching experiences, as we witness farmers
compete for the limited markets in the rainy season when vegetables are more flourishing. It’s because we witnessed farmers experiencing great loss that we felt it was necessary to revive the Sandy Point Market to help ease the burden.
But this measure is only a baby step in the long journey ahead, as we strive to guarantee our
federation a sustainable agriculture. The lack of storage, both dry and cold makes it impossible for farmers to store his/her produce over long periods of time. This also prevents farmers from adopting the post harvest technique.
sFriday 21 October 2011
World Food Day 2011 "Food Fair"
“Food Fair”
If there is ever a perfect
time to promote Agriculture and Food Security? It is the FAO World Food Day celebrations.
Recognize worldwide every year on the 16th
October, the Sandy Point Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd took
advantage once again; as it hosted its 2nd annual “Food Fair”. This food fair have become the highlight of the week of activities organized by the Dep’t of
Agriculture in the Ministry of Agriculture. These activities are geared towards
the commemoration of the world food day celebrations. This year world food day
theme is “Food Prices – Crisis to Stability”. Thus, it was necessary for us to
magnify the theme through an innovative food competition. This competition was
under the sub title “Most Nutritious and affordable Dish”, where a different
array of caters were invited to prepare and put the dish on display base on the
criteria mentioned above. 
The uniqueness of the event
was demonstrated where the different stakeholders involved in food production and the sustainability of agriculture was invited to the Sandy Point Market Place. The Sandy point Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd felt it was
essential to use this opportunity to advertise the Saturday morning market and educate potential members about the Cooperative. Among the guess list were institutions like CARDI, whom is
responsible for providing farmers with technical assistance and sharing up to
date information from researches. Another exceptional contributor to the event was
T.D.C group of companies, who had in their capacity as a local agriculture inputs
supplier, some items were; seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and
artificial soils. Patrons and farmers alike got first hand explanation of the
application technique of using the farming inputs. 
The Dep’t of fisheries who also is under the Ministry of Agriculture was there in their fullest capacity.
Multiple fact sheets, a model fish pot, safety gears all made up the wide range of fishing equipments and information sheets. It is clear to see that most people in this
generation refused to acknowledge farming as a viable business venture. As part
of our efforts to further strengthen the agricultural sector we invited The
Christopher & Nevis Social Security Board. This initiative was geared
towards giving individual the facts as to how productive farming is, and how beneficial it is being self employed.
Agro processing was yet
another aspect of the food fair where we intended to highlight. It is also one of the
avenues government wishes to improve in order to further diversify the
agricultural sector. Sweet Potato chips, guava cheese and mango wine were all
among a long list of items at the agro processers stall.
The rearing of animals for
food has taken a new face; no longer is the live stock farmer limited to the
traditional animals, but he or she is rearing rabbits, turkey, chickens for
meat and Bees for honey. The sandy Point Agricultural Society Ltd also took
advantage of the large crowd to exhibit its large variety of vegetables, fruits
and pastries. Members of the community, visitors and patrons were encouraged to
become full pledge members of the cooperative. The event was indeed a success
and we wish to say thanks to all who made it possible. St. Kitts, Where you at this World Food Day?
On Saturday October 15th ’11 the vibrant young famers of the Sandy Point
Agriculture Co-operative Society Ltd (SPACS) will be hosting a Food Fair. The theme for this year World Food Day is Food Prices: From Crisis to Stability.Starting at 8am at the Sandy Point Market, entrance to the event is free! Among other things, there will be raffles, activities for kids, a cooking competition and screenings of their recent short film “Fighting for Food Security.”
Agriculture Co-operative Society Ltd (SPACS) will be hosting a Food Fair. The theme for this year World Food Day is Food Prices: From Crisis to Stability.Starting at 8am at the Sandy Point Market, entrance to the event is free! Among other things, there will be raffles, activities for kids, a cooking competition and screenings of their recent short film “Fighting for Food Security.”
Groundation Grenada had the honor of meeting some of the members of SPACS at a training session last December for the 1st Annual Caribbean Science & Agriculture Film Competition. The work that they are doing in St. Kitts is innovative and proactive. They are pairing their agricultural work with amazing community out reach programs like this Food Fair. To Find out more about the Sandy Point Agriculture Co-operative Society LtdSource: http://groundationgrenada.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/st-kitts-where-you-at-this-world-food-day/
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Written by MiyVue.com Staff WriterPosted On: Monday, 17 October 2011Last Updated: Monday, 17 October 2011
Basseterre, St. Kitts- A farming group out of Sandy Point has been acknowledged by Minister of Agriculture Dr. Timothy Harris for its outstanding work in agriculture, especially in its immediate community.
Harris praised the group while delivering his message to officially launch celebrations for World Food Day. These activities were started last Saturday with a food fair and exhibition at the Sandy Point public market.
Harris said it was this group of farmers that recently revived the public market in Sandy Point. He described them as a vibrant group of young model farmers, led by Lionel Stevens.
Harris congratulated the farmers for their consistent provisioning of agricultural produce to the people of Sandy Point and the neighbouring communities and for their strong commitment to be part of the global alliance to end hunger.
Dr. Harris also went on to state that his Ministry was so proud of the Sandy Point Cooperative Society Limited that they have recommended Mr. Seaton, the president of that cooperative as a focal point at a hemispheric alliance to address hunger in the hemisphere.
World Food Day activities run from 15th October to 21st 2011.
On Monday, the activities continued with officials delivering talks in a number of the high schools around the island.
Source:http://www.miyvue.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4482:sandy-point-farming-group-hailed-for-their-work&catid=42:rokstories
Source:http://www.miyvue.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4482:sandy-point-farming-group-hailed-for-their-work&catid=42:rokstories
Monday 3 October 2011
The Farmers Drought
Farmers Drought
In
all of governments efforts to provide safe, adequate and a reliable service of
running water to its domestic and commercial consumers. Government has failed
to put the necessary provisions in place that would increase the supply of
running water to local farmers. In deed times are changing and the demand for
safe and healthy food is also on the rise. The distribution of food is also
becoming a task, and more and more the bulk of the food that is produced for
food consumption is getting smaller. While areas like Agronomy on
the hand is consuming larger amounts of the food produced by farmers. In a tourism base economy society like St.
Kitts and Nevis farmers are more now than ever compel to venture into the
business of commercial farming, the reason being he/she has to upgrade in order
to meet the food demands. The boost of activity in the tourism sector widens
market scale, thus giving the farmer greater demands to supply.
With
these potential markets, the farmers are more than often fighting a losing
battle, by trying to sustain or trying to captivate these markets using
traditional methods of water his/her crops. The rain fed system is the most
popular one used in our area by farmers, thus making it the only means of
irrigation sometimes. The farmer’s crops are watered when rain falls or he/she
put mechanism in place; for example water sprouts connected to the roof and
when there are heavy down pours water is collected and stored in large drums,
and manually water each plant by hand. This system of irrigation is only
effective in the rainy spell of the year, but it still has many disadvantages;
such as:
·
Rain doesn’t fall
every day.
·
Soil erosion is
high when there are heavy down pours.
·
Its labour
intensive.
One
other factor that may contribute to the inefficiency of this system is climate
change; this global epidemic creates a lot of uncertainty for the farmer.
Therefore, it is quite clear that because farmers depend solely on the rainy
season, the rain fed system is totally ineffective in the dry season. The
farmer then is unable to produce adequate quantities of his/her commodities on
a consistent basis throughout the year. Hence, it is fair to say that the
farmer is practically hand cuffed throughout half of the year. The farmer often
struggles to supply his/her market and would eventually lose them, not to
mention it is impossible for the farmer to convince his/her costumers that
he/she is capable of supplying in times of high demands. 
On
the other hand where some farmers are more fortunate than others to get access
to water, this is only half of the solution to the bigger problem. The equal distribution
of water throughout commercial farms drips irrigation systems are needed, these
systems thou effective, it is very costly and could be burden to the farmer.
Whereas farmers who are capable of installing the drip irrigation system
usually have to raise the prices of his/her commodity in order to cover his/her
cost and make a profit As a result of this he/she is unable to sell their
produce at competitive prices. High prices leads to low sales, this then prevent
the farmer from covering expenses and having great losses. The Sandy Point
Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd therefore recognizes that the effort of
getting water and cost efficient drip irrigation implemented on the farms is a
challenge. And it will continue to
retard the potential growth of the farmer and his chances to help in the Fight
for Food Security. Showing Signs of Growth
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE downpour of rain did not stop the Sandy Point Agricultural Co-operative Society Ltd (SPACS) from putting on a big show all in the name of Agriculture at the Sandy Point Market.
Saturday night (Sept. 17) saw a number of talented individuals at the Second Annual Agri-Independence Cultural Expo, singing their hearts out, and doing what they do best – entertain. Persons such as King Navigator, members of the Sandy Point Primary School, Emotional, DC of Lockoff Records, and Plan-D out of Barbados entertained the crowd through song and drama. The talented King Lala performed his crowd favourite ‘buy local tune’ while clowns and a string band amused them with special performances. General Manager of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society, Cameron Gill, made an address to the persons in attendance. Three vouchers were raffled at the Expo. Two lucky persons won EC$30 vouchers for B’s Enterprises in Sandy Point, and another lucky person won an EC$50 voucher compliments Dollar Stretcher also in Sandy Point. Lionel ‘Trustme’ Stevens, one of the farmers, said that the Expo did not fully go as expected but it was still a hit. “It started a bit late due to the rain; however persons still came out and were very much entertained. We did not get the turnout we expected but the show went on and it was successful,” he said. He went on to explain that SPACS was not successful in showing the feature video of the night but persons can rest assured that it will be on another occasion. Entrance to the Expo was EC$5 for adults and children under the age of 12 gained entrance for free. Proceeds from the Expo are earmarked for the much needed repairs of the restrooms at the Market. The Sandy Point Market is opened every Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. offering a wide variety of local produce and agro-processed goods such as pumpkins, green bananas, dasheens, tanyas, sweet and season peppers, tomatoes, herbs and thymes among others, as well as ‘Itals’ - available from midday. | ||||
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