Irrigation, crop diversification and training for young farmers were among the issues discussed this morning, when Prime Minister Keith Mitchell held bilateral discussions with the Director General of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations Jacques Diouf. Opportunities through the FAO Regional Programme on Food Security for increasing the supply of quality agricultural products and facilitating more intra-regional trade in agriculture are offered on a pilot basis, with particular emphasis on irrigation. Prime Minister, in expressing Grenada’s keen interest to take advantage of these opportunities, noted the importance for a reliable supply of water if more young persons are to pursue a career in agriculture. “We need to ensure our farmers can provide a consistent and reliable supply of crops if they are to benefit financially. We have to show our young people that there is a future in farming,” the Prime Minister said. Other needs of farmers that were discussed during the meeting included livestock production, aquaculture, access to credit and marketing. SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER