The VACH is an electronic platform through which hotels and restaurants can obtain information on the availability of crops, and as a result, facilitate an increase in the sale of local produce.

The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) has been working to develop initiatives targeted at strengthening linkages between the tourism and agricultural sectors.

Following the March 1 appointment of an Agriculture/Tourism Liaison Officer Donette Ismael, one of the key initiatives is the implementation of a Virtual Agricultural Clearing House (VACH) program.

The VACH is an electronic platform through which hotels, restaurants, and food and beverage distributors obtain information on the availability of crops, thereby facilitating an increase in the sale of local produce, and encouraging import substitution.

“I envision an agricultural sector with an enhanced capacity to supply quality and price-competitive produce that meets the demands of the hospitality industry," Ms. Ismael said.

The virtual agricultural clearing house is currently operational, but will be officially launched at the SLHTA's 52nd AGM Tourism Linkages Tradeshow on May 19.

Farmers interested in being a part of the VACH can contact Donette Ismael at 758.485.9816 or dismael@slhta.com.

The SLHTA cannot guarantee the sale of any agricultural crops and is not responsible for the pricing, quality, delivery and distribution of the agricultural produce.