iciHaiti – Canada : Towards a strengthening of agricultural cooperation

Agronomist Vernet Joseph, Minister of Agriculture, accompanied by his Director General Agronomist Elancie Moïse, met this week with the Canadian Ambassador, André François Giroux, who was accompanied by the new head of Canadian Cooperation in Haiti.

During the discussion, Minister Joseph thanked the Canadian Ambassador for his commitment to consolidating Canadian-Haitian cooperation in the agricultural sector. He also presented his vision and the main directions he intends to give to this partnership, in order to achieve results that meet the needs of the population.

For Joseph, it is essential to address the problem of poverty, the creation of jobs for young people and women as well as the training and capacity building of the latter, the development of economic initiatives and the strengthening of institutional capacities.

Furthermore, to mitigate the damage caused by climate change to the agricultural sector, Minister Joseph advocated the promotion of climate-resilient production systems and multi-purpose crops such as cassava, known for its climate adaptability. He also highlighted the various forms of exploitation and consumption of this tuber, which is in high demand on both the local and international markets.

Ambassador Giroux renewed his country’s commitment to contribute to improving the living conditions of the Haitian people. While promising the Minister of Agriculture to support him in his vision of an agricultural sector that meets the country’s needs, he invited other technical and financial partners to step up their actions alongside state authorities.

IH/ iciHaiti