![CHEMICAL EVOLUTION [23RD JULY 2026] - A recent food safety alert highlighting Saint Lucia's high pesticide use has renewed concerns about the safety of locally grown produce. The Department of Agriculture is advancing plans to establish the island's first local pesticide residue testing programme, eliminating the need to send samples overseas. Officials say the initiative, based at the National Agricultural Diagnostic Facility in Union, will strengthen food safety, support farmers, and boost consumer confidence in local agricultural products. Phoebe Popo tells us more.](https://www.replay.gp/wp-content/plugins/youtube-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
THE FUTURE OF FOOD SAFETY: CHARTING A NEW ERA FOR PESTICIDE TESTING
CHEMICAL EVOLUTION [23RD JULY 2026] – A recent food safety alert highlighting Saint Lucia’s high pesticide use has renewed concerns about the safety of locally grown produce. The Department of Agriculture is advancing plans to establish the island’s first local pesticide residue testing programme, eliminating the need to send samples overseas. Officials say the initiative, based at the National Agricultural Diagnostic Facility in Union, will strengthen food safety, support farmers, and boost consumer confidence in local agricultural products. Phoebe Popo tells us more.
