Boost for food safety management in Grenada

The board of directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) have approved funding to the government of Grenada in an effort to enhance food safety management.

The boost will aid compliance of its fresh fruits and vegetables subsector with internationally recognised food safety management systems (FSMS).

According to the CBD, funding will support capacity building of key stakeholders, 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% of total employment and accounting for an estimated 6.4% of gross domestic product.

Rural development

Since 2014, the sector has grown by an average of approximately 30% annually.

Deidre Clarendon, division chief of the CBD’s social sector division, said: “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 US$850,000 loan and a US$250,000 grant from the Caribbean Forum-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement Standby Facility, which is administered by the CDB.

Counterpart funding of US$285,000 will be added by the government of Grenada.