More than three thousand broiler chickens are being distributed to backyard farmers and small-scale farmers, as part of the National Home and Community Garden Project.

The distribution is being done by the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Zero Hunger Trust Fund.

IICA’s Technical Specialist, Michael Dalton says this initiative is part of the recovery of the agricultural sector following the impact of Hurricane Beryl.

"You would recall in July 2024 we had hurricane Beryl impacting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and IICA, as is our custom after a storm, leverage on our relationships across Latin America and South America to provide support for Saint Vincent in different areas. But in this particular instance, we are dealing with the distribution of chickens and broiler chickens in particular. And this is coming directly from out of the coffers of IICA to farmers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. I hope that the Farmers and the Home Gardeners will be able to use this support wisely."

Chief Executive Officer of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund, Safiya Horne-Bique, says they are pleased to be involved in this important initiative.

"As part of this project we are trying to improve food security for our whole souls ensuring that they are able have food after hurricane Beryl had destroyed most of our agricultural sector. We are trying to promote healthy eating and this is only the first part of the chicken distribution for Zero Hunger. We are happy to be a part of this. We started with the seedlings and the vegetable distribution encouraging persons to do backyard and this is an extension of it. And we are really happy to receive the donation and the support of IICA in this regard. We also will be getting support from the FAO for chickens and other support to schools and backyard gardeners to be able to plant their own food."

SOURCE: National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC Radio)