Ministry Of Agriculture Contracts Technical Specialist For Agro-Processing And Agribusiness 

PR – The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands,  Fisheries and Co-operatives has contracted the services of Mr. Leonard St. Bernard, as Technical  Specialist with responsibility for Agro-processing and Agribusiness.  

This appointment comes as the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries and Co-operatives  continues to roll out its transformational goals, and specifically that, pertaining to the  establishment of an agro-processing and agribusiness unit, and the expansion of the agro processing and agribusiness sector. 

The contractual appointment of the Technical Specialist commenced on 17th January 2023, and will remain in effect for one year in the first instance. The appointment further signals  Government’s commitment to its stated vision of focusing on food and nutrition security by  supporting local production, bolstering agro processing, and to establish an agro-processing and  agri-business unit in the Ministry.  

The Technical Specialist will work in collaboration with ministry officials to ensure a full-fledged  and functioning Agro-processing and Agri-business Unit. He will also work with agro-processors  and stakeholders in the further development and enhancement of the agro-processing industry and  the development of agri-businesses. 

Mr. St. Bernard brings to the Ministry, extensive knowledge, and experience in the areas of quality  infrastructure, business practices, trade regulations and his entrepreneurial experience as the  former owner and Chairman of the Board of Directors of West India Spices. He has worked  throughout the Windward Islands with agro-processors and small farmers in rural communities,  assisting them with building market readiness capacity and the technical skills needed for the  export market.  

Over the years, Mr. St. Bernard worked in both the public and private sectors and held positions  such as Head of Laboratory Services at the Grenada Bureau of Standards; Quality Assurance Manager, Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association (GCNA); and Produce Chemist, Grenada  Produce Chemist Laboratory.  

He served on and has been the Chairman of various boards in addition to his most recent role as  National Agro Processing Coordinator at the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United  Nations (FAO/UN). 

Mr. St. Bernard holds a Master’s Degree in Chemistry (Inorganic and Physical Applications) from  the University of The West Indies, (St. Augustine) and a Bachelor of Science (Honors) degree in  Chemistry and Management also from the University of The West Indies, (St. Augustine). He has  attended numerous professional training programmes and certificate courses and has published  and patented articles within his field. 

The contracting of Mr. St. Bernard with such expertise is a manifestation of Government’s  commitment to providing leadership to the agro-processing sector, and the transformation of the agriculture and agro-processing sectors as it seeks to ensure food and nutrition security for all.