AGRICULTURE FACILITY

You can see opportunity at every stage of production - from the soil and the sea, to the local and export market. You need gear, equipment and access to new technologies? Then you need the confidence of a lender who will share the risk and invest with you.

SLDB values our Farmers, Fishers and Agricultural Technologists, who nurture and grow, till and catch, explore new processes, create employment and sustain homes, communities and our economy.

We believe that Agriculture and Fisheries is food security. Technology has opened up a world of opportunity for our farmers, fishers, horticulturists, food processors and technologists; in support of our diversification thrusts.

You have the skill and the knowledge? We have the confidence, the financing and will find the technical counseling to support you. We will help you take the next step.

We finance the purchase, establishment or implementation of:

Agriculture

• Land for crop and livestock enterprises
• Agricultural equipment (tillage, drainage, farm vehicles, water pumps, generators, etc)
• Irrigation equipment
• Farm infrastructure (roads, buildings, greenhouses etc.)
• Marketing of agricultural produce and products for local and overseas markets.
• Refrigeration equipment to extend shelf life.
• New technologies to increase productivity of crop and livestock enterprises.
• Apiculture (bee keeping) projects
• Horticulture (flowers/ornamentals) project

Fishing

•  Purchase of pirouges (canoe boats)
•  Purchase of outboard engines
•  Purchase of large fishing crafts
•  Purchase of fishing gear and equipment
•  Building of fishing boats
•  Repair of boats and engines
•  Processing of fish (packaging, canning, salting etc)
•  Aquaculture (fish farming) projects

What you will need:

• A proposal/idea of a project with commercial potential
• Written proposal if project cost is over $100,000;
• Information on marketing and market outlets;
• Written permission from Ministry of Health for establishment of pig, goat, sheep and poultry ruminants, pens
• DCA approval for major farm structures; (Agriculture)
• Technical report from Consultant/Engineer of Ministry of Agriculture for major irrigation projects
• Technical report from Consultant/Engineer of Ministry of Agriculture for major soil preparation and drainage works;
• Land Register indicating absolute title for land that will be used as security for the loan
• Notarized Lease Agreement if land is being leased, for a period not less than the duration of the project;
• Letter from employer indicating status of employment, length of employment and salary. If self employed documentary evidence of monthly/yearly income
• Mortgage information if land on which the security is being offered is mortgaged, indicating loan balance and other relevant details;
• Tax Clearance Certificate from Inland Revenue Department
• National Insurance Corporation Letter stating that NIC contributions are up-to-date
• National ID Card.

Fisheries Loan Applicants will also need

•  Report from Department of Fisheries indicating status of Applicant
•  Documentary evidence of ownership of fishing craft
•  Documentary evidence of ownership of outboard engine
•  Membership card of Fisheries Cooperative

SLDB will require that:

• That the borrower implements the project efficiently;
• That any building or equipment financed with the funds of the Bank, or pledged with the Bank as security be properly maintained and adequately insured
• That the funds of the Bank will be used exclusively to fulfill the purposes of the loan and to finance the purchasing of goods and services for the project
• That the fisher ensures that all necessary victuals including navigation and safety equipment are kept onboard the vessel during fishing expeditions; (applicable to Fishers only)
• That proper certification of work-in progress shall be required before the Bank's funds are released for the project
• That the Bank shall have full and free access to the project and shall have the right to inspect the site and all books and records associated with the project
• Pertinent information or data requested by the Bank shall not be withheld by the borrower(s)
• Borrowers agree to fulfill all of the conditions or requirements of the loan

Download an application form or apply online.
Address: 4 Bridge Street, P.O. Box CP 5900, Castries, Saint Lucia
Tel: 758-456-7532(SLDB) | Fax: 758- 453- 3839