Agriculture, fishing and to a less extent, forestry, have always been and still are the backbone of the island's economy, although tourism is of increasing economic importance. Major crops grown include banana, the leading export, and arrowroot, of which St Vincent is one of the world's major producers. It is used in cooking for thickening sauces, and is widely used in biscuit making and the manufacture of some paper, especially computer printout stationery. Other crops produced include nutmeg, ginger, yams, sweet potatoes, root crops, plantains and carrots. Plantains and carrots are exported to neighboring islands, and a lot of fruit and vegetables are sent to Barbados, which although it is heavily agricultural, is largely planted with sugar cane. Forest covers almost half the island, and wood is used for charcoal burning, and there is inshore and offshore fishing. Most industry is based on processing agricultural crops, including the production of soap and edible oils from coconuts. There are also rum distilleries, copra processing plants and flour mills. Other industries include boat building and a plant which produces boxes in which bananas are packed for export.

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