ST GEORGE"S, Grenada (CMC) - Grenada's agricultural sector, devastated by Hurricane Ivan last September, is to receive a significant boost after the government signed a 500,000 euro agreement for budgetary support in agriculture on Wednesday. The French government had agreed to provide the assistance following talks earlier this year, between Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell and the French Minister for Development and Co-operation Xavier Dakos. The St. Lucia-based French ambassador to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Bernard Venzo said the money will be used to replant banana and other fruit trees, as well as to install greenhouses and irrigation systems. The grant was approved prior to the passage of Hurricane Emily last week, which caused severe damage to the agricultural sector. According to acting Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture Gregory Bowen, preliminary estimates show more than 90 per cent of the banana industry was affected due to Ivan and Emily. The French overseas departments of Martinique and Guadeloupe will also assist in the reconstruction of two tertiary institutions on the island and assist in physical planning, through the provision of a team of planning consultants. France has made a significant contribution towards Grenada's reconstruction, through its participation in the European Union Fund. Reprinted from antiguasun.com