Building the future of the Barbados coconut industry

The Alliances for the Coconut Industry Development Expansion and Enhanced Support for the Caribbean is a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI). 

Currently in its second phase, the project’s goal is to make small-scale coconut farmers, MSMEs, and value chain operators more competitive and resilient by training them in sustainable ways in coconut production and commerce to meet local and international standards.

Most recently, the project facilitated an agronomic visit and a one-day training session entitled Improved Production and Integrated Pest Management in Coconuts,” which was conducted by the Coconut Industry Board (CIB) of Jamaica from December 15th to 16th . 

Coconut farmers, extension officers, and representatives from the National Conservation Commission (NCC), the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC), and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) attended these events. The practical training session was conducted at A.T. Nicholls farm, which culminated with several certificates of participation for those who attended. Such interventions are critical to the industries’ success and growth in terms of sharing knowledge, building commercial alliances, investments, etc.    

To date, the project has facilitated a strong business-to-business (B2B) relationship between A.T. Nicholls, a coconut farmer and processor, and West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD), resulting in the creation of an island-exclusive rum called “Cut and Dry, Plantation Rum”. The distillery is a strong supporter of the project.

Other project successes include the construction of three coconut nurseries with a capacity of over 1,500 coconut seedlings, the distribution of over 100 coconut palms to farmers across the island, and the establishment of a National Stakeholder Platform comprising several coconut value chain actors. 

Thus far, approximately 50 individuals, inclusive of farmers, extension officers, and other stakeholders, have been trained in best practices for coconut production and harvesting as well as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). They also worked on improving their business profile and utilised social media to their advantage, just to name a few.

With the support of various project partners, this European Union funded project aims to support processors in achieving international production standards, as they seek opportunities in not only local but regional and international markets. The project also encourages resource efficiency and circular economy methods throughout the entire value chain and life cycle of the coconut value chain. The activities being conducted under the project aim to provide the necessary infrastructure, networks, and body of knowledge for the sustainable growth and development of the coconut industry in Barbados. As a result, training, innovation, and solid collaborations will be critical for the future of the industry. It is therefore vital to note that the industry will need time to grow and become sustainable.

Through the provision of specific training activities and other relevant resources, the coconut industry can provide great opportunities for the betterment of the people of Barbados and the region, as well as provide investment opportunities that benefit our economic growth. All of this is a reality because of the generous support of the European Union investing in the project and ITC and CARDI continuing to work with stakeholders and other coconut
value chain operators to develop the coconut industry.