SLHTA demonstrates a growing commitment to agricultural sector by supporting RISE’s Good Food Revoluton project.
The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) through the Tourism Enhancement Fund has collaborated with RISE Saint Lucia’s Good Food Revolution Project as a gold sponsor.
On May 19, Tourism Enhancement Fund chair, Karolin Troubetzkoy, handed over the first installment of the fund’s financial commitment to RISE Director Dr. Stephen King.
Launched in January 2016, the project seeks to reduce the consumption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and increase the use of healthy, organically grown foods in Saint Lucia.
The project was initiated in response to an unprecedented and alarming rise in chronic non-communicable diseases in Saint Lucia. The creators of the Good Food Revolution believe that this dangerous rise is in great part due to the replacement of wholesome traditional fruits, root crops and vegetables from the local agricultural biodiversity, to highly processed imported options.
On the occasion of this partnership, SLHTA Chief Executive Officer, Noorani Azeez, spoke to the SLHTA’s growing commitment to the agricultural sector.
“In the beginning of this year we made a commitment to strengthen sustainable linkages with the agricultural industry and to continue to work toward Saint Lucia’s sustainable development. We are excited to partner with RISE on this project as they seek to educate farmers and the community at large in processes that would create a healthier nation for generations to come.”
The Good Food Revolution is also in partnership with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Agriculture, funded in part by the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Program.
The first round of training for 40 farmers in organic farming began in early May.
