Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprise and Linkages (PROPEL) - CHF

The project aims to contribute to economic growth in the Caribbean through increased sales of fresh produce by small-scale local producers to high value markets. It is helping small farmers to increase the quality and quantity of fresh regionally grown fruits and vegetables and linking them to buyers such as regional grocery chains cruise lines airlines hotels and restaurants. Initially the project focuses on Jamaica Trinidad and Tobago St. Lucia Grenada St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dominica Barbados and Guyana with possible expansion to other countries in the region. To be successful in such markets producers not only have to be able to supply sufficient quantities of their produce but have to convince buyers that they are maintaining internationally accepted food quality and safety standards. In conjunction with World University Service of Canada’s (WUSC) local partner the Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN) the project is providing technical assistance to farmers for achieving the required standards as well as for accessing the required credit from financial institutions.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) increased equitable engagement in high-value fresh produce market activities by male and female farmers including youth; and (2) increased coordination and alignment of farmers and buyers in high-value fresh produce markets.