Saint Lucia Advances Food Systems Transformation with National Dialogue

More than 40 representatives from government ministries, farmer organizations, academia, development partners, and civil society recently convened in Saint Lucia for a National Food Systems Dialogue—an important milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to transform its food and agriculture systems for greater sustainability, equity, and resilience.

The dialogue is part of Saint Lucia’s continued engagement in the UN Food Systems Summit follow-up process, supporting countries in aligning food systems transformation with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Convened by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development in collaboration with the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Office, the event brought together key stakeholders to review and validate Saint Lucia’s draft Food Systems Transformation Pathway.

Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bradley St. Ange, opened the dialogue by emphasizing the central role of food systems in Saint Lucia’s development agenda: “Our food system is the lifeblood of human existence. Yet it faces serious pressures—from climate change to global market disruptions. This pathway will serve as our national roadmap for how we produce, distribute, and consume food in ways that nourish our people, sustain our environment, and strengthen our economy.”

Mr. St. Ange further stressed that the pathway’s success depends on national ownership and collective responsibility: “It must not remain a report on a shelf or a concept driven by external partners. It is our responsibility—as Saint Lucians—to make it work for us, through our policies, our programs, and our partnerships.”

Mr. Kenroy Roach, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, commended Saint Lucia’s leadership: “Food systems are not just about farming—they are about people, planet, and prosperity. Saint Lucia’s efforts show that small island states can lead boldly, innovate locally, and build resilient food systems that serve their people and protect the planet.”

UN Food Systems Coordination Hub Regional Food Systems Specialist, Juana Giraldo González, facilitated interactive sessions, guiding participants to propose practical solutions for food and nutrition security, equitable livelihoods, climate-smart production, and policy coherence.

Participants identified opportunities to strengthen policy coordination, boost local production, promote nutrition education, and better connect farmers with key markets and the national school feeding programme.

Consultant Dr. Lystra Fletcher-Paul, author of the draft Food Systems Transformation Pathway, presented the framework’s main findings—highlighting Saint Lucia’s relatively low levels of food insecurity, but noting rising challenges related to obesity, nutrition, and the affordability of healthy diets.

The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from the Government to mobilize resources and implement the proposed recommendations. Permanent Secretary St. Ange affirmed: “Real transformation begins here at home—with the choices we make, the partnerships we build, and the leadership we show. Together, we can ensure a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous Saint Lucia.”

The event was held at Bay Gardens Beach Resort in Rodney Bay, with participation from ministries including Agriculture, Commerce, Sustainable Development, Health, Education, Finance, and External Affairs. Agencies such as the St. Lucia Marketing Board, Central Statistics Office, OECS Commission, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Global Green Growth Initiative (GGGI) were also represented. The UN Development System was represented by PAHO, WFP, FAO, the RCO and the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub. 

For further information, please contact:
 

Dr. Lorraine Nicholas

Resident Coordinator Office,

Country Coordination Officer, Saint Lucia

Email: lorraine.nicholas@un.org Tel: +1(758)730-0771