Grenada records six per cent reduction in food import bill

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, (CMC) Grenada has recorded a six percent reduction in its food import bill during the period January to September 2015 when compared to the same period in 2014.

Trade Minister Oliver Joseph, says data from his ministry has revealed that EC$154 million (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) was spent on importing food from January to September 2014 but for the same period in 2015 it reduced by EC$145 million.

“This is just for food stuff not any other things,” said Joseph who called for Grenadians to use more locally manufactured foods because they are healthier and at the same will allow more money to be redistributed among local manufacturers.

“There are a lot of things that are grown locally that we can use and when you do so that will help reduce the food import bill and the country will save foreign exchange,” he said.

Joseph who is also the Minister for Planning was speaking at the launch of the 2016 ‘Made in Grenada Expo’ which will be held on February 7th as part of the Independence celebrations. The Expo will bring together local manufacturers to showcase “all things that are made in Grenada.”

Josephs reminded the public that the acceptance of local products on the market can have positive impact on the economy.

“Our first market is our local market, when we have successfully penetrated our local market we know we are ready for the export market. So we must get acceptance for our products on the local market; too many times the way foreigners accept our local products, we don’t see that same enthusiasm among our local people who prefer the foreign products,” he said.

Admitting that the locally produced products may come with a higher cost, Joseph said persons need to stop focusing on the cost and instead focus on the health benefits.

“People need to think about the quality and the health benefits when making that judgement – Buy local, support local so that we can stay healthy.”