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Pineapples have potential!

Posted by CaribShout on January 26, 2010 at 10:31pm

Close to a dozen pineapple farmers responded to an invitation from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Banana Industry Trust (BIT), to be apprised of the findings of a rapid assessment of the Pineapple sector. Conducted by Mr Steve Maximay and Mr Colin Paul and commissioned by IICA and BIT, the report is intended to assess the current situation in respect of pineapple production, marketing and distribution. Based on findings, the report was to also propose recommendations which would contribute to a revitalization of Saint Lucia’s pineapple industry. With the recent implementation of a Niche Market Initiative under Banana Commercialisation and Agricultural Diversification (BCAD), the objective is to increase the profitability of farm enterprises and agricultural production and marketing through niche markets, to improve the socio-economic environment. The report found evidence of the benefits of various prior initiatives in support of the sector, namely increased yields, reduction of the cost of production and increased marketability in both the domestic and the export markets. Notwithstanding, there have been no exports of the fruit between 2006 and 2008. An estimated 84.25 acres supporting 59 farmers make up the sector, of which in excess of 25 growers are members of a two year old Association of Pineapple Growers. The presence of an Association and its current strategic focus resonates with the objectives of the BCAD Niche Market initiative. The mission of the Association is to create and operate a production and marketing association that promotes the business and economic stability of its members by means of good agricultural practices and the sale of certified products. Its immediate priorities as with the intent of the Niche Market Programme include working with members to increase and maintain production that will meet market needs, achieved through assessment of market demand and continuous improvement in production techniques to reduce cost and increase yields. In respect of Marketing and Distribution, the Association has identified the need for marketing strategies to include branding, promotionn and customer interaction, and the establishment of a comprehensive distribution value chain to cater for all customers through designated delivery days and on spot demand requests. Consistent with this thrust, the Maximay/Paul report identified a number of areas to be addressed. These include increase in acreages, farmers training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), marketing and distribution, linkages, office/distribution depot/equipment, delivery vehicle, genetically improved planting materials, farm inputs , support in farm preparation and planting density and production scheduling. The report also made a recommendation for tighter integration and harmonisation of efforts and systems between producers and suppliers. With the existence of traditional cooperatives comprising pineapple producers as members but not other important players in the value chain, integration would result in greater synergies that would redound to the benefit of all. Emanating from this initial forum to review the sector report will be a series of activities aimed at strengthening the Association and facilitating farmers and farmer clusters to press toward the market of Fair Trade certification, and to increase acreage so as to meet the definite demand—dominated locally by the hospitality sector.
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