New association for farmers in Seychelles |15 December 2017

In October 2017, a new entity known as the Local Food Producers Association was registered in Seychelles by a group of farmers. This followed a proposal made to local farmers by Nelson Renaud and Edme Durup to form a new farmer’s association which will benefit both farmers and members of the public.

The association currently has 12 members including the executive committee which is made up of the following representatives:  Nelson Renaud (chairperson), Sandville Desaubin (vice-chairperson), Edme Durup (secretary) and Dereck Amade (treasurer).+

The main objectives of the association are to:

-           Organise, promote and develop livestock and crop production activities in Seychelles;

-           Be the voice of its members;

-           Advance the interest of agriculture by encouraging conservation of natural resources such as water, soil, vegetation and wildlife;

-           Consider, discuss, provide advice and express the food producers’ needs;

-           Promote better farming by facilitating various activities.

Speaking about the new alliance, the chairperson, Nelson Renaud, says that there are many problems that exist within the local farming industry and that the association aims to work towards a solution for such issues.

“The principle of working together is lacking in Seychelles and we need to come together to tackle problems, help change people’s mind-sets and heal the country. For example, the terms ‘sustainable’ and ‘environmentally friendly’ farming are constantly being spoken about and these need to be put into action but it is a struggle to do so when you find yourself alone,” he said.

Mr Renaud adds that the association is made up of a group of youth who are serious and want to work for their country.

“We are doing this because of the will, passion and energy that we have as youth to make this work. We need more youth in the agriculture field and if anyone with the same vision wants to join, feel free to approach us,” says Mr Renaud.

In a recent meeting held by the association, discussions focused on various points which aim to primarily help farmers in Seychelles:

1. Taking possession of and reactivating a reservoir at Anse à la Mouche to benefit everyone in the region, especially during the drought season;
2. A new supply of electricity at Anse à la Mouche;
3. The acquisition of farming equipment, e.g. excavators;
4. Building of wells.

The association has also applied for assistance through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes of various business organisations and they are also expecting help from members of the group.

In the future, Mr Renaud hopes that they will be able to create a ‘Farmers Market’ where farmers will be able to display and sell their produce directly to consumers on a larger scale but this is said to be a lengthy process as it will take time to organise all the logistics.

For further information, the association can be contacted on the following number and email address: 2512648 / nelson_renaud@yahoo.com.