Department of Agriculture Promotes Sustainable Farming Practices at St. Kitts Field Seminar

The Department of Agriculture in St. Kitts and Caribbean Chemicals Ltd. joined forces to host a pivotal field seminar at Fahies Estate, Newton Ground, on May 8, 2025, focusing on the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices among local farmers and stakeholders. This collaborative effort aimed to introduce innovative and environmentally sound alternatives to conventional farming methods, paving the way for a more sustainable agricultural landscape in St. Kitts.

The seminar centered around the introduction of SOCA, a revolutionary line of biologically-based, eco-friendly agricultural products now available through the Department of Agriculture. Comprising Serenade, Organeem, Cyclops, and Aramite, the SOCA product suite is specifically designed to minimize reliance on traditional chemical pesticides, thereby promoting healthier and more sustainable crop production. This innovative approach addresses the growing need for environmentally conscious farming practices, emphasizing the importance of minimizing chemical impact on both the environment and human health.

Leading agronomists from Caribbean Chemicals, Dr. Kennedy Paul and Mr. Jesse Jarvis, provided in-depth technical guidance to the attendees. Dr. Paul elucidated on various topics covered during the seminar, including combating viruses affecting cash crops like tomatoes and beans, addressing plant diseases impacting crops such as papayas, and optimizing sweet potato cultivation practices. He also highlighted strategies for controlling major sweet potato pests, including weevils and other detrimental insects. Furthermore, Dr. Paul addressed worm control methods in cabbage, pepper, and tomato cultivation, emphasizing practices to mitigate insecticide resistance buildup.

Mr. Jarvis underscored the critical need to transition towards safer plant protection methods, highlighting the benefits of the newly introduced SOCA products and the significance of embracing sustainable agricultural practices. He described the seminar as a highly interactive and much-needed session, emphasizing the benefits and importance of utilizing biologically based and organic solutions for plant protection. Mr. Jarvis stressed the importance of educating farmers about these new technologies, contributing to both food security and environmental protection through the use of environmentally safer products.

One of the most significant advantages of SOCA is its safety for pollinators, especially bees, which are essential for food production and maintaining biodiversity. The products are also non-toxic to beneficial insects that contribute to crop health, making them ideal for integrated pest management strategies. Unlike conventional chemical pesticides, SOCA leaves no harmful residues on produce, ensuring cleaner and safer food for consumers. This represents a significant step towards promoting both environmental sustainability and consumer health within the agricultural sector.

Ian Chapman, Head of the Crops Program within the Department of Agriculture, emphasized the department’s commitment to providing safer, organic options to farmers, reflecting the government’s dedication to supporting food producers and ensuring consumer safety. He highlighted the shift away from harsh organophosphates and other toxic chemicals, promoting more environmentally friendly products. Chapman emphasized the importance of safe application practices and highlighted SOCA’s zero-day harvest interval, eliminating concerns about pesticide toxicity and residual effects on consumers. This demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding public health while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

The seminar also included practical demonstrations and detailed implementation schedules to guide farmers in adopting integrated pest management strategies using environmentally friendly products throughout the entire crop cycle, from planting to harvest. This comprehensive approach equips farmers with the necessary knowledge and tools to implement sustainable practices effectively, ensuring both environmental protection and the production of safe, high-quality crops. The collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Caribbean Chemicals Ltd. exemplifies a significant stride towards promoting a more sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural sector in St. Kitts.