Annual Agriculture Review 2008 - Government of Grenada

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Performance of the Cocoa Subsector and Assessment and Impact of Supporting Statutory Association ...continued Figure 11 GCA endeavored to achieve its strategic objectives for the period which included: unswerving negotiations with traders to ensure cocoa bean producers received the best prices possible, amalgamation with the other main commodity producer organization on the island i.e. the GCNA, the establishment of a chocolate plant, rehabilitation of abandoned cocoa fields, the implementation of a Farmer Incentive Credit Programme and activities that would stimulate increased production in cocoa bean. Unattractive prices in combination with the devastation of Hurricanes Ivan and Emily contributed to an apparent stagnation in the cocoa industry in recent years. Production declined by approximately 100,000 pounds for two successive years following the passage of Hurricane Ivan. The main challenges which affected productivity for cocoa farmers were the high cost of inputs and labour and low productivity. The industry also endured limited reinvestments, lack of research and development activities, dwindling cocoa acreage, advanced age of farmers and competition with other commodities for land space. Number of Cocoa Producers The implementation of some of the GCA’s strategic objectives, specifically, the initiation of the provisional credit programme, improvement in extension services and increase in prices paid to farmers (from $3.12 to $3.34/lbs) contributed significantly to a sixty-two percent (62%) increase in production in 2008. Production increased from 484,000 pounds in the previous year to 783,000 pounds during the year under review and the acreage remained 3200 acres. However, increase production is vital to meet the rising market demands. Further stimulation in production is dependent on the establishment of a Rehabilitation Programme, the strengthening of propagation activities, focus on pest and disease management, more input programmes and a strategic focus on achieving premium prices from international markets, that is the use of a market led strategy rather than production led strategy. Grenada Cocoa Association achieved most of its strategic objectives including success in its negotiations with international markets for higher prices. Unfortunately, the merger of the GCA and GCNA made limited progress whilst the establishment of the Chocolate Plant has not materialized. Comparison of Cocoa Bean Producers 2003-2008 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 $8,000 $8,000 $1,100 $1,100 $2,200 $2,500 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year Human Resource Capacity Twenty five (25) employees were engaged with the Grenada Cocoa Association. Generally, the human resource capacity can be considered limited even though capacity for cocoa Agronomy was adequate. It is anticipated that there would be a greater demand for recruitment and specialized training in the near future as the Association endeavours to expand its business operation to manufacturing chocolate. The increase in demand for the cocoa bean would also directly affect staff allocation. Few training opportunities were available in 2008, however, for efficient operations and high quality service, it is imperative that employees are trained. Training in marketing, chocolate making, the use of industrial equipment and international standards would be essential to support the chocolate manufacture component of the business in the near future. Agriculture Knowledge Impartation Extension services and low cost inputs were provided to cocoa producers during the year under review. Information on plant protection practices were disseminated through the extension services. Soil conservation methods were encouraged including the use of organic manure to improve soil structure and the planting of shade trees to mimic natural cocoa environment. Additionally, the promotion of agronomical practices as a substitute for pesticides usage can be accredited for the profitable increase in production. The production of 0.17% in off-grade cocoa was indicative of this effort. 42
Projects for Future Development Grenada, as a high quality cocoa producing country, should exploit the numerous opportunities available. The cocoa bean has been recognized as a health food and a number of specialized cocoa products are beginning to emerge. In the past five years, the prices offered for cocoa has been generally higher than previous years. The demand for semi processed cocoa bean persists internationally and there are readily accessible markets. The historical importance of this product coupled with its environmental benefits has provided an avenue for lucrative agrotourism projects. The implementation of projects that would stimulate cocoa bean production must be treated with expedition and high priority in light of the tremendous demand for chocolate products on the international market. 43
Page 2 and 3: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry a
Page 4 and 5: Table of Contents Foreword 4 Perman
Page 6 and 7: Foreword Hon. Michael Denis Lett Th
Page 8 and 9: Permanent Secretary Remarks Mrs. Ge
Page 10 and 11: Introduction ...continued agricultu
Page 12 and 13: Extension Services Agro- Tourism Th
Page 14 and 15: Performance of Fruits, Vegetables a
Page 28 and 29: Performance of the Livestock Subsec
Page 30 and 31: Performance of the Livestock Subsec
Page 32 and 33: Performance of the Fisheries Subsec
Page 34 and 35: Performance of the Fisheries Subsec
Page 36 and 37: Performance of the Forestry Subsect
Page 38 and 39: Performance of the Agro-Processing
Page 40 and 41: Performance of the Agro-Processing
Page 42 and 43: Performance of the Spice Subsector
Page 46 and 47: Performance of the Nutmeg Subsector
Page 48 and 49: Performance of the Nutmeg Subsector
Page 50 and 51: Ministry of Agriculture’s 4H Move
Page 52 and 53: Ministry of Agriculture’s Project
Page 54 and 55: Support Received From Collaborating
Page 56 and 57: 54 • Provided financial and techn
Page 58 and 59: Grenada’s Agrarian Economy - Expl
Page 60 and 61: Grenada’s Agrarian Economy - Expl
Page 62 and 63: Why the Development of a Scientific
Page 64 and 65: Why the Development of a Scientific
Page 66 and 67: Agricultural Production Data - Pivo
Page 68 and 69: With Agriculture Production Data or
Page 70 and 71: List of Figures & Tables Figures Fi
Page 72 and 73: Contact Information Ministerial Div
Page 74 and 75: Grenada’s Annual Agriculture Revi
Page 76: CAREERS IN AGRICULTURE YOU CAN BE..

Annual Agriculture Review 2008 - Government of Grenada

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?