These decisions emerged from the 4th Joint Meeting of the Task Force to Monitor and Evaluate the Effects of Changes in U.S. Trade Policies on Saint Lucia.

Among the key measures endorsed is the commissioning of an independent animal feed study. Dr. Thomas Samuel, Special Advisor in the Ministry of Commerce, explained that the study will compare the nutrient content and integrity of locally produced versus imported feed, particularly as it pertains to poultry.

“There is a need to conduct an assessment of our feed quality to ensure that it is sufficient to allow farmers to realise profitability. This is part of an overall strategy to increase our food security, especially in the area of poultry production,” said Dr. Samuel.

Dr. Samuel noted that Saint Lucia imports a significant portion of its poultry from the United States, and with shifts in global trade dynamics, bolstering domestic capacity has become a national priority.

In addition to the feed study, the Cabinet approved the development of a comprehensive financing plan to support the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Boosting Food Production during the 2025–2027 period. This financing framework is expected to facilitate targeted investments in the agriculture sector.

Another major decision is the establishment of a multisectoral task force to spearhead the development of a National Food and Nutrition Security Policy and Action Plan. This task force will include representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Commerce, Education, and Equity.

According to Dr. Samuel, “The goal is to implement the objectives and plans needed to boost food production and mitigate our exposure to external shocks, especially those related to the importation of food and feed products.”

He indicates these measures signal a strong policy shift toward food self-sufficiency as the government works to safeguard food security.