PRIME MINISTER VISITS LASAGESSE FARM

ST. GEORGE’S, JUNE 9, 2009 -- Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas, Minister for Agriculture Denis Lett and other government officials, accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Grenada, His Excellency Zhang Wanhai, on Friday paid a visit to the Chinese run LaSagesse Farm.

The Prime Minister and his delegation were taken on a tour of the farm following a short presentation on the history and expansion of the facility.

The Prime Minister will make a strong case for continued Chinese assistance in the area of agriculture when he undertakes a State visit to China next week.

His Excellency, Ambassador Wanhai says the farm has become a part of the supply structure for various food and flora plants which are distributed free of cost to Grenadian farmers.

“I have been asked many times if these things are for sale and I said no, because this is not for profit, it is for the benefit of the Grenadian farmers and the people of Grenada. So we distribute it free to farmers,”’ he said.

The Ambassador also pointed out that livestock farmers also benefit from the services of a veterinarian who works out of the Lasagesse farm.
 
During the visit, the delegation was treated to an array of fruits, including cashews, paw paw, Cantelope and watermelon, which are all grown at the facility.

“This is the kind of assistance we welcome because the benefits go directly to our people, especially our farmers. We would want to see that continue. We must work together to strengthen the cooperation between our two countries,” the Prime Minister said.

He also said that he was delighted with the array of planting material displayed at the facility.