SVG Chamber of Agriculture & Nutrition

The SVG Chamber of Agriculture & Nutrition (SVG-CAN)

Advocates for the removal of VAT from all essential foods in SVG

We are of the opinion that VAT on local agro produce in supermarkets:

- Negatively impacts on the local farming community.

- Does not help in making fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable to the general population.

- Goes against the principles of Caricom recommendations on NCD's.

Quote from the executive summary of the Caricom summit on NCD's (pg 12)

The “nutrition transition” in the Americas is characterized by relatively low consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cereals, and legumes, coupled with a relatively high intake of foods rich in saturated fat, sugars and salt, among them milk, meats, refined cereals, and processed foods. This dietary pattern, combined with less physical activity, is a key factor in the rise of obesity. Surveys show that in 2002, 50-60% of adults and 7-12% of children less than 5 years of age were overweight or obese (2). Overweight among adults was 45% and 65% in Canada and the USA, respectively (2).

- End Quote -

Source: http://www.caricom.org/jsp/community/chronic_non_communicable_diseases/executive_summary.pdf

Why then is sugar and salt exempted from VAT and local fruits and vegetables charged 15% VAT in our supermarkets?

NCD- None Communicable disease