A programme to increase the production of onion (Allium cepa) was initiated by the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the ministries of agriculture in 1990. The task force approach was the methodology adopted for the development of onion production. The task force included members from CARDI, the Ministry of Agriculture, the marketing agency and the onion growers. Through this interdisciplinary approach, production has increased from 7.5 ι in 1990 to 128 t in 1995. Average yield increased from 7,000 to 20,000 kg/ha, while average plot size increased from less than 100 m2 to 0.4 ha. The number of fanners involved in commercial onion production increased from five in 1990 to 24 in 1994. Two trial shipments to Dominica were completed in 1994 and 28 t were exported to Dominica in 1995. The use of the task force approach in expanding onion production in St Kitts and Nevis is examined.