The Ministry of Agriculture has collaborated with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to host the One Village One Product Fair.

The fair featured a variety of byproducts from the OVOP Pilot Project's selected communities of Micoud, Choiseul, and Soufriere, which seek to target and utilize local products. The One Village One Product Project focuses on improving the marketing of these products as well as the enhancement of product branding. The selection process outlined in response to feedback from the OVOP pilot project will provide a transparent tool for final product selection for communities across the island.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Barrymore Felicien noted that the success of the fair will be pivotal in the project rollout and meaningful change to the people of Saint Lucia. He added that the Ministry of Agriculture endorses and embraces the OVOP model as a practical strategy.

Mr. Felicien expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for its continuous support on initiatives such as the OVOP Project.

Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA),  Hiroyasu Tonokawa said the project aims to increase employment opportunities particularly for the youth in Saint Lucia, as the project equips youngsters with necessary skills.

The pilot project commenced in January 2021 and will be culminated in January 2022.