The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) have approved funding to the Government of Grenada to enhance the compliance of its fresh fruits and vegetables subsector with internationally recognised food safety management systems (FSMS).
The funding will support capacity-building of key stakeholders, including male and female farmers, exporters and agricultural extension agents, and the Grenada Bureau of Standards in the design, coordination, implementation and monitoring of a risk-based, preventative FSMS. It also includes the provision of equipment designed to improve operations at the state-owned Marketing National Importing Board (MNIB) fresh produce pack house.
Agriculture is a key driver of economic growth in Grenada, contributing approximately 13 percent of total employment and accounting for an estimated 6.4 percent of gross domestic product. Since 2014, the sector has grown by an average of approximately 30 percent annually.
Deidre Clarendon, Division Chief, Social Sector Division, CDB notes, “The fresh produce and fruits subsector represents new opportunities for boosting employment and enhancing linkages within the economy. This Project protects the viability of the subsector by ensuring the required food safety management standards are adhered to, and aims to strengthen Grenada’s international reputation as a leading global supplier of high-quality produce.”
The Project will be supported through a USD850,000 loan and a USD250,000 grant from the Caribbean Forum-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement Standby Facility, which is administered by the CDB, and counterpart funding of USD285,000 from the Government of Grenada.
The project is consistent with CDB’s Country Strategy for Grenada, its strategic objective of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development, as well as the its corporate priority of supporting agriculture and rural development. It also aligns with the Bank’s Energy Sector Policy and Strategy, Gender Equality Policy and Operational Strategy, and Technical Assistance Policy and Operational Strategy.
