Agriculture Entrepreneurship D. Pearl Hendrickson, SME Adviser Island Government of St. Eustatius

“How Sustainable are we in Statia”

Agriculture Entrepreneurship

D. Pearl Hendrickson, SME AdviserIsland Government of St. Eustatius

Prepared by D. Pearl Hendrickson, SME Adviser to the Island Government

This Conference provides the platform to initiate discussions on the three main elements of Sustainable Development,

Society (People), Economy (Profit) Environment (Planet)

A timely initiative


Under this General session of the Conference “How sustainable are we in Statia?” the subheading “Agricultural Entrepreneurship” emphasizes the1. empowerment of the people (the target of

sustainable development), by 2. stimulating Agricultural Entrepreneurship to

boost the economy (the tool in achieving sustainable development), whilst

3. preserving the environment & resources (the necessary basis for sustainable development).

Stimulating AgriculturalEntrepreneurship


Hazel Vegetable Project


An internship program between Ministry of Social Affairs, Edu-Partners and the Golden Rock Veg & Pet Store N.V. (GRVG&PS).

The local farm GRVG&PS employed six (6) interns

GRVG&PS agreed to provide on the job training and modules on farming for a period of eight months.

GRVG&PS also agreed to pay half of the salary of each participant whilst the other half was covered by the Ministry of Social Affairs in the Netherlands

The Agriculture Job Program


To generate employment opportunities amongst the local unemployed or unemployable youth of the island

To enhance the awareness of the viability of a career and/or business in the Agriculture Sector

To increase the knowledge of the participants of the program in the field of farming

To revive the Agriculture Sector of St. Eustatius and redevelop the sector as an economic pillar.

Objectives of Agriculture Job Program


Within the context of the SME Project the Agriculture Sector is a viable sector to empower its local people by assisting existing farmers to grow, expand and/or diversify their operations and stimulate the younger population to start-up SMEs in the sector. The job program offered the adviser an “in-road” to promote self-employment amongst the farmer to the program.

Link Agriculture Job Program & Stimulating of SMEs


Sustainable Development Finding the right balance


Opportunity to grow the business, Higher productivity due to the extra capacity

provided by the six (6) persons employed under the Job Program ◦ variety of production ◦ new markets and/or market segments.

Expand the company’s operations into other avenues in the field e.g. food processing & packaging,

Diversify into complimentary activities e.g. educational tours (Agri-Tourism).

Building on the Job programPerspective of the Farmer


Educated in the field of planting, cultivating reaping and selling of row crops and vegetables

Acquired knowledge on the overall running of a farm

Permanent employment after the 8-month period

The option of Self-employment and/or starting a SME versus employment

Building on the Job programPerspective of the Participant


Elements of Sustainable Development◦ Food security◦ Social stability ◦ Environmental protection

Lowered cost of living versus a higher standard of living

Decreased unemployment rate Increased supply of fresh produce/wider

variety of products and services

Building on the Job programPerspective of “Statia”


In accordance to the Strategic Development Plan of October 22, 2012 during the second half of the 18th and early 19th century, St. Eustatius (Statia) was a major trading post with thousands of ships

calling at her shore per year. there were 90 plantations, growing and

processing sugarcane which contributed to prosperous/wealthy residents

Statia’s nickname ‘The Golden Rock’, stems from those former trading days

Historic data


There are currently a relatively small number of active farmers running small-scale operations

There are some persons involved in backyard gardening for personal use

There is no significant number of youngsters involved in the farming industry

The school curricula does not cater towards stimulating a career in the Agriculture Sector

Current Situation


The conflicting approaches to service delivery to farmers decrease the overall effectiveness of support

Lack of policy outlining the use of Agriculture land and the type of produce allowed

Lack of efficient irrigation system to supply sufficient water to farmers

Lack of implementation of environmentally friendly methods of farming (Soil management) that allow the production of crops without damage to natural systems

The always present environmental risks (droughts and hurricanes)

Lack of the right mindset of the people towards the benefits of the agriculture sector to the overall economy

Challenges


Reaching toward the goal of sustainable agriculture is the responsibility of all participants in the system, including farmers, laborers, policymakers, researchers, retailers, and consumers. Each group has its own part to play, its own unique contribution to make to strengthen the sustainable agriculture community

Can History repeat


Government role: policies and Incentives to promote farming as a business

Role of Business support organization: The SME Program has focused on promoting and supporting partnerships and linkages among institutions and organizations for efficient SME support service delivery.

Education role: Add agriculture to the curricula to change the mindset of the youth of Statia from thinking that agriculture is a menial career choice and stimulate interest amongst them to start Micro or Small Enterprises in the farming sector

Role of Farmers: on an individual run the farm as a business and apply a collective approach to the variety of produce and the marketing aspect of the business in particular for the export of the product e.g. reactivate the Agriculture Marketing Cooperative

Integrated efforts of Stakeholders


As mentioned before the platform to initiate discussions on the topic of Sustainable Development has been created with this conference

How sustainable is Agriculture Today

Documents

Agriculture Entrepreneurship D. Pearl Hendrickson, SME Adviser Island Government of St. Eustatius