An estimated 15 000 small cane planters will face difficulties with the drop in prices of sugar. At the same time there are consistent increases in the demand for food locally, (domestic, tourism, IRS sectors) and internationally resulting in higher retail prices of food commodities. These trends, combined with the consistently growing demand for ethnic and organic / quasi organic foods constitute an opportunity to recycle the local small planters into high value, import substitution and export oriented, commercial farming activities.

This will require a tremendous effort in terms of mindset change, training, capacity building, product development, testing, certification, and export promotion. EM intends to play the role of an initiator, a coordinator and facilitator so that existing resources are effectively mobilised to meet the set objectives. In close collaboration with the Ministry of Agro industry and AREU, EM proposes to organize a landmark forum to focus on the development of high value, import substitution and export oriented, commercial farming activities.

One of the main objectives is to complement the efforts made by R & D institutions like AREU, FARC, and Departments of Ministry of Agro industry to stimulate and motivate existing and potential agro entrepreneurs to transform themselves into gentlemen farmers contributing to the development of a vibrant non sugar export oriented agro industry.

The Forum will capture the salient issues to be addressed and policy decisions to be taken and presented as an action plan for the sector.