GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Michigan Credit Union League and the St. Lucia Credit Union Co-Operative League penned the latest World Council of Credit Unions international partnership at the MCUL's 2008 annual convention and exposition.

WOCCU's 29th international partnership will help support the organization's technical assistance project in St. Lucia, one designed to shore up the country's credit unions so they can provide stronger support to the island's farmers. St. Lucia's growing tourist industry has created a new demand for produce, primarily bananas; however, many local farmers lack the resources needed to enter the market.

WOCCU plans to ask for MCUL assistance in conducting market studies to determine the quality and capabilities of St. Lucia credit unions' agricultural lending programs to support those efforts, said Matt Garcia, a WOCCU program manager.