Acting PS calls for greater focus on praedial larceny, market access

By S.Browne. Updated 4:13 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, Colville King, has called for greater focus on praedial larceny and market access, describing both as longstanding challenges facing farmers in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

An Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) press release dated June 15, 2026 noted that King made the remarks during the IICA 2025 Accountability Seminar held at Frenches House in Kingstown on June 10, 2026.

Speaking at the event, King said: “I want to thank IICA for continuing to account,” while acknowledging the Institute’s contribution to agricultural development.

He added that many farmers continue to face difficulties accessing profitable markets due to fragmentation and limited market organisation, while praedial larceny remains a major concern affecting the sector.

The seminar brought together more than 40 farmers, agro-processors, government officials, development partners and representatives of agricultural organisations to review IICA’s work in St Vincent and the Grenadines during 2025 and discuss priorities for the future.

Among those attending were Minister of Fisheries, Marine Conservation and Climate Resilience Hon. Conroy Huggins, Chief Agricultural Officer Renato Gumbs, and IICA Representative for the Eastern Caribbean States Gregg Rawlins.

IICA formally presented its 2025 Accountability Report, outlining initiatives implemented during the year, including training programmes for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, support for agricultural health and food safety systems, and efforts to strengthen surveillance and response capacity for African Swine Fever.

Minister Huggins commended IICA’s commitment to transparency and accountability, saying the exercise provided an opportunity to assess progress, address challenges and align efforts aimed at advancing agriculture and improving rural livelihoods.

Also addressing the seminar, IICA Representative for the Eastern Caribbean States Gregg Rawlins said accountability remains central to the organisation’s work, adding that its interventions are designed to improve the lives and livelihoods of farmers, agro-processors and rural communities while supporting national development priorities.

He also highlighted the ADOPT Caribbean Project as part of efforts to strengthen resilience and transformation in the agricultural sector.

The seminar also marked the final accountability exercise in St Vincent and the Grenadines for Michael Dalton, former Technical Specialist with the IICA Delegation in St Vincent and the Grenadines and newly appointed IICA Representative in Suriname, following nearly 17 years of service in the country.

Stakeholders used the occasion to pay tribute to Dalton’s contribution to the agricultural sector and rural communities, recognising his role in supporting capacity-building and development initiatives over the years.

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