IMPORTANCE OF BREADFRUIT GROWN IN HOME GARDENS IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

St. Vincent was the first recipient of the breadfruit introductions to the Caribbean more than 200 years ago. Since then, the crop has become an important staple that is produced for both the domestic and export markets. The crop is grown both on farms and in home gardens, but there is no information on total levels of production or consumption. A survey was conducted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2009 to determine the level of breadfruit production in home gardens and the contribution to household diets. Data are presented on tree population, germplasm diversity, levels of breadfruit consumption, methods of utilisation and factors influencing consumption. The information provided has implications for the future expansion of the breadfruit industry in St. Vincent and the Grenadines