Page Name
Agriculture
Forestry Division The Forestry Division is conceived as the leading natural resource management institution that ensures the sustainable management of the island’s forest resources. The Division works diligently to manage in a sustainable manner, Grenada’s forest resources and cultural landmarks in order to optimise on the potential contribution that could be made environmentally, socially and also to the country’s economic development. In past decades, the Division narrowly focused on the planting of trees to support economic activities such as local craft production. However, from 1997, with the introduction of the National Forest Policy, its mandate has evolved to reflect the strategic direction which highlights the importance of the forestry system to the environment, institutions and communities. The Forestry Division is committed to facilitating: the sustainable management of wild life and maintenance of biodiversity, watershed management, timber production, tree planting, protection of mangroves, and enhancement of recreational and ecotourism products. Future Development The continuous success of the Forest Division will be dependent on many factors such as the human resource development, constant liaison with regional and international allied organisation, investment in training, forestry research and constructive collaborative efforts with key stakeholders. Sustainability plans should be developed for projects already implemented such as the livelihood projects in Grand Etang and Après Tout. It is imperative that the Ministry of Tourism and the Board of Tourism provide substantial support to these projects. Other projects which are critical to the future success of the Division are projects associated with Watershed Management and the implementation of strategies which would ensure reforestation especially the establishment of a nursery. and community-based management approach to achieve its professed mission of effective fisheries management and development. Conservation and management of threatened and endangered species such as conch, lobster, turtle and the inshore pelagic stock remains a main concern of the Division.The fishing industry in Grenada remains acritical enterprise for the livelihoods of both rural and urban communities. A number of coastal communities obtain their livelihoods and daily protein from fish. The industry is generally community focused at a number of focal points on the islands of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique consisting of over 2800 fishermen. Although the industry is small scale, the fishing fleet is rapidly transforming from subsistence operations into commercial operations. Future Development There are tremendous opportunities for expansion of the fishing industry in Grenada. However, further expansion is dependent on the necessary infrastructural development to create the environment for proper fish handling systems and to ensure safety and security of fishermen. In the past, a number of fishermen were lost at sea. The expansion of export markets relies extensively on the effective implementation of quality and food standards. Projects relating to fish processing are also a necessity. Agro-Processing The agro-processing subsector in many cases has been indigenous to Grenada. However, the commercialization of locally produced agroprocessed products may be considered to be bordering the introduction stage for many products and the growth stage of the Product Life Cycle for some which have been accessing regional and international markets. Some prominent successes in the agro-subsector can be attributed to the key players, namely, the De La Grenade Industry leading producers of jams and jellies, Noelville Ltd with its most distinguished product – the Nutmed spray for pain relief, Grenada Chocolate Company; producer of organic dark chocolate, Caribbean Agro
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