Project Detail

Revolutionizing Food Production by Reducing Toxic Chemicals and Harmful GMOs in the Saint Lucian Food Chain.

This project will address the excessive use of toxic chemicals and harmful GMOs in the food production processes which adversely impact the environment and human health.

The goal is to increase the use of healthy, organically grown foods by the population of Saint Lucia while the objectives are to: (i) improve consumer knowledge of the impacts of unhealthy products and the benefits of consuming organically grown foods; (ii) grow the market for locally grown organic products; (iii) Improve regulatory framework through research, standard development and testing; (iv) Facilitate/coordinate establishment of organic input supply network; and (v) pursue the development and approval of a multi-sectorial organic supply and consumption policy.

This project will approach Chemicals and Food/Nutritional Security from the demand side which will complement the supply side which has been the focus of most projects till now.

Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Rise (Saint Lucia) Inc

Country:

Saint Lucia

Area Of Work:

Chemicals

Operational Phase:

OP5 – Y4 (Jul 14 – Jun 15)

Grant Amount:

US$ 46,326.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 21,111.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 35,889.00

Project Number:

STL/SGP/OP5/Y4/STAR/CH/15/02

Start Date:

5/2015

End Date:

9/2018

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Policy Impact

A multi-sectorial organic supply and consumption policy will be prepared for approval.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

A significant component of the project is to implement an ongoing public awareness and education programme. The impact will be measured.

Linkages gef projects

No significant linkages were created by the end of the project, however there was some sharing of ideas with the Iyanola Medium Sized Project.

Gender Focus

No special gender focus.

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

Not applicable.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

One strategic objective of this project is to create a growing effective demand for organic produce thus completing the production and marketing linkages.

Replication of project activities

The capacity development and practical components of the project have been replicated in other projects. The partnerships and linkages have also been replicated.

Capacity - Building Component

The grantee will build its capacity through an experiential process of reflection and action.

Project sustainability

The organic plots, the extensive training, the partnerships and the significant advancement in preparing a national organic agricultural policy are the bases for project sustainability.

Planning non gef grant

There are plans to upscale this project through a GEF SGP Strategic Project Window with significant co-financing from other sources.

Policy Influence

This project catalysed discussions on a national organic agricultural policy. The grantee was able to engage all relevant representatives from the Public and Private Sectors and CSOs. By the end of the project there was a general understanding that efforts to make food quality free of toxic chemicals had to continue. This project established the policy foundation.

Planning gef grant

To be determined.

Notable Community Participation

To be successful this project will create a solid bridge of partnership between the grantee, relevant public sector agencies, farmers, the private sector and the general public. There will be several consultations, meetings and workshops.

Project Results

This project deserves the recognition of commencing the Green Food Revolution (GFR) in Saint Lucia. Through the use of multiple methods, the project was able to develop the GFR narrative and sustain it through the use of a specially composed song; the use of social medial; the training of young farmers; and the nurturing of strong partnerships with the public and private sectors and CSOs. In addition, the project was able to attract sound scientific advice to help formulate strong messages. Finally, the project was also able to source equipment for the biosafety laboratory at UNION.

A total of 40 farmers were exposed to advanced training workshops in composting, vermiculture, compost tea brewing, cover cropping, soil building, natural pest control, and a holistic agro-system approach to food growing. Perhaps one of its most significant accomplishments was the strong link the project made between healthy soils, healthy food, and healthy people and the persuasive messaging on using less and less toxic chemicals.

During project implementation, ten persons (5 women and 5 men) were employed in value chain analysis; business development; public relations; and organic farming.

The main lesson learned was the importance of working with the government technocrats in developing a consensus for change.

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