 The St. Lucia Marketing Board recently celebrated a significant milestone with the official opening ceremony of a newly constructed compost house. As part of the ongoing efforts under the enhancement of the efficiency of the production distribution supply chain of the fruit and vegetable sector project in its second term, this initiative aims to increase efficiency and build capacity within the agricultural sector. Ambassador of the Republic of China Taiwan to St. Lucia, His Excellency Peter Chien-Chien says the compost house stands as a symbol of innovation and sustainability, providing farmers with essential resources to enhance productivity while promoting environmentally friendly practices. This compost house will be used for St. Lucia Marketing Board to turn wasted fruit and vegetable into fertilizer that can be used to produce agricultural products. It can also be a training facility used to pass down knowledge and skills to other farmers. By utilizing wasted matter to produce fertilizer, we are not only reducing the burden of our landfills but also creating a sustainable solution to enrich our soils and promote agricultural productivity. One of the key highlights of the ceremony was the announcement of subsidized inputs for farmers which will play a crucial role in reducing the overall cost of production. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, Honourable Alfred Prospects, explains that the establishment of the compost house underscores the commitment of the St. Lucia Marketing Board to support local farmers. With access to subsidized inputs, farmers can expect reduced production costs, ultimately enhancing their profitability and contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector. By harnessing the power of composting, we not only reduce the environmental impact of organic waste but also create a valuable resource that can be utilized to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. This in turn holds the potential to revolutionize farming practices and improve the livelihoods of our farmers who take advantage of this opportunity. This compost house will play a pivotal role in providing a perfect model which can be scaled on or up for use on individual farm holdings where transforming organic waste into nutrient rich compost results in a valuable resource for our farmers. Signifying a step forward in achieving the objectives of the project, the Agriculture Ministry anticipates continued collaboration and investment in initiatives that drive efficiency and sustainability across the agricultural supply chain, ensuring a prosperous future for farmers and the wider community. From the Communications Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, I am Anicia Antoine reporting.