A move to address a critical concern of the citrus sub-sector is underway this week, as research and development technicians of the Ministry of Agriculture hosted a training exercise for local citrus farmers and horticulturists.

Huanglongbing, the yellow dragon disease, or Citrus Greening Disease as it’s being called in Saint Lucia, is one of the most serious citrus plant diseases affecting citrus industries in the world. For local research and development officials, the focus is on equipping citrus farmers and horticulturists on the island with the technical skills to easily identify and manage the effects of the disease.

Speaking at the closing ceremony for the Capacity Building and management of Citrus Greening Training Workshop, the Deputy Director of Agricultural Services, Barry Innocent, said the exercise was a timely move to initiate long-term actions in protecting the citrus sub-sector. He has called on all certified trainees to immediately employ the strategies learnt in the daily management of their farms and businesses.

IICA Representative to the Eastern Caribbean States, Gregg Rawlins said IICA is pleased with the success of the exercise, as stakeholders have been exposed to a number of relevant topics including early detection, control and management, vector identification, and understanding the citrus greening disease cycle. One strategic move, he added, was to engage the expertise of a Citrus Protection Officer attached to the Ministry of Agriculture in Jamaica to facilitate the training. This he explains, was appropriate to allow participants to not only learn the best management practices of citrus greening but also explore and anticipate what setbacks can occur when the protocol is not fully applied.

Alfred Barrett, Crop Protection Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture in Jamaica and facilitator of the Citrus Greening Training Workshop said he applauds the dedication of IICA and the Ministry of Agriculture in ensuring that the exercise addressed the concerns and possible challenges the local sector may face to putting together a programme of learning activities that brought trainees face-to-face with the lessons being taught.

The Ministry of Agriculture and IICA will continue to work on safeguarding the local citrus industry and as such will take decisive actions to train stakeholders, and augment to performance of citrus farmers.