OECS EMPHASIZES FOOD SECURITY AND QUALITY

Castries, May 24 (PL)- The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) announced the start of consultations by its member states to improve food security and agricultural quality.

The first consultation was held in the Dominican Republic last May 12, with the process set to continue in Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Grenada.

According to OECS authorities, it is a key project for the region, as it facilitates trade of quality agricultural products in compliance with international standards.

In addition, the effective monitoring of the quality of food will help to ensure food and nutritional security, will boost trade between the Member States of the organization, an increase in consumption and investor confidence, among other benefits.

The OECS Economist for agricultural issues, George Alcee, emphasized the importance of dialogue aimed at increasing food security, due to the weight of the sector in economic and rural development, creation of jobs, foreign exchange earnings and preservation of natural resources.

For us to be able to maximize the benefits of global trade and comply with international standards, we have to modernize our food safety systems in order to protect animal and plant health, noted Alcee.

The OECS is a subregional organization which emerged in 1981, comprised of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Granada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Montserrat, as full members, plus two territories as associated members: British Virgin Islands and Anguilla.

Its objectives focus on achieving harmonization of foreign policies between member states, promoting functional cooperation between them, ensuring security and stability in their territories and forming a common economic area.

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