On Wednesday, Jobert C. Angrand, the Minister of Agriculture of Natural Resources and Rural Development, on an official visit to Rome to attend the General Assembly of the United Nations Food Fund (FAO), took the opportunity to meet José Graziani da Silva, the Director General of this organization.

At this meeting it was discussed : programs implemented by FAO in Haiti; Haiti's priorities and the possibility of setting up a program to fight black Sigatoka and diseases affecting coconut palms in Haiti. In addition, Minister Angrand has asked FAO for support in the field of fisheries, in order to find ways to develop and implement projects that could enhance the value of this sub-sector.

On Thursday Minister Minister Angrand, accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Calixte Adlin had a working session with Cornelia Richter the Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

IFAD-funded projects were reviewed. Angrand emphasized provisions that could facilitate the disbursement of funds provided by the institution for the benefit of the agricultural sector. IFAD supports Haiti's irrigation programs and has $12 million to support the development of the country's coffee and cocoa value chains.

Following this meeting, Minister Angrand informed through official channels that a headquarters agreement will be ratified shortly with IFAD, which will allow Haiti to benefit from an additional $50 million. This agreement must, however, be ratified by Parliament before any disbursement.

TB/ HaitiLibre