EXPORT SAINT LUCIA
EXPORT DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE – PRASLIN SEAMOSS
‘We have seen tremendous growth in seamoss exports. Our technical assistance to the seamoss association has resulted in improvements in the livelihood of rural farmers.’
Sunita Daniel Chief Executive Director, Export Saint Lucia
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
‘Very good – export development for a rural community around a specific product.’
‘Combination of export and SDG is clear.’
‘Strong statistical analysis – in particular, breaks down the number of new farmers by gender.’
‘Employment, social, cultural and environmental impacts are well described.’
When Saint Lucia’s banana industry lost market access preference, many farmers were left without a livelihood. Exporters had mixed results in diversifying to new markets.
Export Saint Lucia stepped in to reinvigorate the cultivation and production of sun-dried seamoss in Praslin, a small coastal community. Seamoss is surging in popularity with consumers because of its powerful immune-boosting nutrients.
Export Saint Lucia engaged the Praslin Seamoss Farmers Association. The association was created in 1998 with the aim of helping to boost the incomes of farmers operating below the poverty line. Farmers were unable to develop sustainable markets, however, and many abandoned their seamoss farms.
STRENGTHENING THE CAPACITY OF FARMERS
Export Santa Lucia launched its programme to strengthen the capacity of farmers by improving quality, post-harvesting techniques, branding and packaging. The objectives were to increase exports by accessing foreign markets, create employment, and empower women and vulnerable youth.
Seamoss farmers initially lacked inventory management and quality controls. New greenhouses to dry the seamoss improved quality and efficiency, as farmers no longer had to remove it from drying tables due to changes in the weather.
The farmers learned new management practices. Basic bookkeeping courses helped track procurement and sales, and an inventory management system improved stock management. The farmers also learned new post-harvest management and storage techniques. Most of the training took place on the ground, making it more accessible and meaningful to farmers.
Export Saint Lucia then included seamoss in the Taste of Saint Lucia brand, and set up a Facebook page for the association. This created substantial demand from abroad, by linking the product to the qualities of Saint Lucia and by ensuring production, quality and delivery.
SUCCESS CONTRIBUTES TO SDGS
Export Saint Lucia targeted niche markets of consumers interested in fair trade food products. In 2018, seamoss exports totalled $54,912. By the following year, exports had surged to $557,453.
The number of farmers active in seamoss cultivation increased from 43 to 157, as the farmers – many of them women – flocked to re-establish their farms.
Trade missions and shows in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States also helped spur export growth.
Export Saint Lucia is working to obtain a geographical indication for Saint Lucian sun-dried seamoss to further boost its export branding.
‘Export Saint Lucia’s technical assistance turned the seamoss business around 180%. Setting up the Facebook page brought in numerous demands from around the world. The problem before was a surplus of seamoss due to a lack of markets. Our problem now is an insufficiency of supply.’
Bonventure JN Baptiste President, Seamoss Farmers Association
‘The increase in employment includes at-risk youth and women; in fact, approximately 45% of new farmers are women!’
Bernice Roserie Seamoss Farmer
EXPORT SAINT LUCIA
CONTACT
Sunita Daniel Chief Executive Officer
ADDRESS Export Saint Lucia P.O. Box CP 5524 Castries, Saint Lucia
WEBSITE www.exportsaintlucia.org
SPAIN – ICEX SPAIN EXPORTS AND INVESTMENTS
ICEX IMPACT +
‘ICEX IMPACT+ was our first initiative towards a comprehensive sustainability strategy.’
‘As with all disruptive pilot projects, implementation involved challenges, such as raising awareness and training employees, developing innovation processes, generating strong, non-traditional alliances, and finding new approaches for clients’ business models.’
‘ICEX IMPACT+ is the jewel in our crown.’
María Peña Chief Executive Officer, ICEX Spain
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
‘Very innovative, with strong analysis of how the project ties in with SDGs.’
‘Good monitoring, with complete, well-documented results.’
ICEX-Spain empowers Spanish SMEs to explore new markets in low-income countries. They partner with local business communities and investors to design and deliver business products that meet local needs – and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Spanish companies are motivated because of the opportunity to strengthen their culture of innovation, contribute to development needs and increase profits.
CONNECTING HIGH-POTENTIAL SMES TO LOW-INCOME MARKETS
These markets offer companies opportunities to use disruptive innovations to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities and achieve their business objectives.
Among the areas with potential are agricultural modernization, renewable energy for electricity, the water cycle, textiles and sustainable tourism.
The ICEX IMPACT + programme offers:
- Workshops, self-diagnostics and toolkits to design sustainable and inclusive business models;
- Business opportunities published on its online marketplace.
BOOT CAMPS FOR COMPANIES
One-week boot camps cover:
- Access to business experts with deep local knowledge and contacts;
- Developing business models with local communities;
- Pitching to potential funders;
- Tailor-made advice to bring the models to life.
SUCCESS LEADS TO NEW PROJECTS
The programme began in 2017 in Colombia, with 12 Spanish companies. It now involves 30 Spanish companies in Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Morocco and Peru and is expanding globally.
‘This programme facilitates alliances with local companies and the public sector. This has been the key to success in bringing Multiscan’s innovative technologies to farming communities in Colombia.’
Álvaro Soler Chief Executive Officer, Multiscan Technologies
‘Thanks to this programme, we have made new connections with innovative Spanish companies that shared their knowledge. Our women coffee growers can access markets with high added value, resulting in improved living conditions.’
Viviana Narváez Administrative and Business Coordinator, Tecnicafé, Cauca, Colombia
ICEX
CONTACT
Maria Peña, Chief Executive Officer
ADDRESS Paseo de la Castellana, 278 28046 Madrid Spain
WEBSITE www.icex.es
