Characterization of the market and economic merit of an organic foods industry in Saint Lucia

Abstract

Organic agriculture is best known as a method of agriculture where no synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are used. Under the organic agriculture system, the focus is on maintaining and improving the overall health of soil-microbe-plant-animal system on farms, as this affects crop yields. The emphasis is on using inputs in a way that encourages the biological processes of available nutrients and provides defense against pests. Most petro-chemically based fertilizers and pesticides are considered to hinder these processes and are, therefore, prohibited. Organic agriculture thus reduces demands on natural resources, contributes to building food security and resilience to climate change. The “Characterization of the Market and Economic Merit of an Organic Foods Industry in St. Lucia” is a contribution to the achievement of FAO’s Strategic Objective 2: Increase and improve provision of goods and services from agriculture, forestry and fisheries in a sustainable manner and Regional Initiative 2: Family Farming and inclusive Food Systems for Sustainable Rural Development.