Agriculture has declined in importance but remains important for the economy and not least for employment. Banana cultivation previously dominated large but in recent years other crops have become more common.
CountryAAH: Comprehensive import regulations of St. Vincent and The Grenadines. Covers import prohibitions and special documentation requirements for a list of prohibited items.
The banana industry was already under severe pressure from the 1990s due to low prices and deteriorating conditions for exports to the EU (see Economic overview). The drought, hurricane Tomas and floods between 2008 and 2011 meant further drops to the industry, which depend on favorable weather conditions. Plant diseases have also affected the banana crops. For St. Vincent defense and foreign policy, please check themotorcyclers.
On the main island of Saint Vincent, the soil is fertile. Saint Vincent is a world-leading producer of arrow root (starch extracted from plants). In addition, bread fruits, tobacco, coconuts, sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger are grown. Cannabis crops occur in some remote locations. The country has long been considered the region’s leading producer of illegal marijuana. However, there are plans to legalize cannabis cultivation to meet the growing demand for cannabis for the pharmaceutical industry.
There is a small fishing industry that is primarily aimed at the domestic market.
FACTS – AGRICULTURE
Agriculture’s share of GDP
6.7 percent (2018)
Percentage of land used for agriculture
25.6 percent (2016)
Abbreviationfinder.org: Offers how the 3-letter acronym of SVG stands for the state of St. Vincent and The Grenadines in geography.
