World University Service of Canada

Published purpose

The project aims to contribute to economic growth in the Caribbean through increased sales of fresh produce by small-scale local producers to high value markets. It is helping small farmers to increase the quality and quantity of fresh, regionally grown fruits and vegetables and linking them to buyers such as regional grocery chains, cruise lines, airlines, hotels and restaurants. The project focuses on Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica and St. Lucia. To be successful in such markets, producers not only have to be able to supply sufficient quantities of their produce, but have to convince buyers that they are maintaining internationally accepted food quality and safety standards. World University Service of Canada’s (WUSC), in collaboration with its local partners, is providing technical assistance to farmers to help them achieve the required standards.