SVG now ready to grow White Potatoes commercially after successful trials 

By Admin. Updated 7:24 p.m., Thursday, April 10, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Rural Transformation announced today (10 April) that another successful trial in the testing phase of the White Potato Cultivation Initiative has demonstrated promising results for commercial production of the crop.

The ministry stated that the harvesting of white potatoes from the Belle Isle plot revealed encouraging outcomes.

“Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, Hon. Saboto Caesar described the white potato trial as a proud achievement, noting the high quality of the harvest despite initial scepticism. He added that the potatoes will soon be available in supermarkets and households and that the Ministry plans to expand production to involve more farmers and promote youth involvement,” the ministry said.

“Mr. Leroy Jackson, Research Officer at the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), noted that trial plots in Montreal and Greiggs have shown strong potential, with impressive tuber sizes for both varieties. Mr. Jackson expressed optimism about the future of local white potato cultivation. He also pointed to ongoing and future research aimed at diversifying crop production, with garlic and onions identified as potential crops to strengthen food security and enhance farmer livelihoods,” the ministry said.

In January 2024, Minister Saboto Caesar announced the government’s plans to explore white potato cultivation in the country.

With assistance from CARDI, cultivation of two varieties—Desiree and Spunta—began in February 2024 during the testing phase.

By May 2024, SVG’s representative to CARDI, Mr. Donawa Jackson, reported that potato seeds planted on 21 February from the currently harvested batch had produced up to 18 tubers. These tests were conducted at Rabacca on the eastern coast.

“We are conducting a fertiliser evaluation. Preliminary data suggest that Desiree appears to be the hardier, more resilient, and disease-resistant variety,” he said. “Its viability for germination is much higher,” Mr. Jackson told *One News SVG* in May 2024.

Mr. Jackson also noted at that time that despite dry and hot weather conditions, the potatoes had grown well. Tests were carried out across several agricultural districts in the country.

He stated that at the conclusion of the testing phase, CARDI would present its findings to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Now in April 2025, tests conducted at Belle Isle have again yielded positive results.

In its release dated 10 April 2025, the ministry highlighted that Mr. Ruthvin Harper, Research Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, provided an overview of the white potato trial’s success. He attributed this success to strong collaboration and dedication from the technical team. Mr. Harper announced plans for establishing 15 to 20 one-acre commercial plots as part of the next phase. Interested farmers will receive guidance and planting materials through extension services offered by the Ministry.

“This initiative is a key component of SVG’s commitment to CARICOM’s ‘25 by 25’ initiative, which aims to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2025. It also directly supports SVG’s National Diversification Programme by promoting exploration and cultivation of new crops suited to local conditions while meeting domestic and regional demands,” the ministry said.