NASSAU, Bahamas – The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources remains committed to increasing the level of appreciation for Bahamian grown and processed food commodities, Minister Larry Cartwright said Thursday.
“We are committed to the development and sustainability of agriculture and agri-business in The Bahamas,” he told those in attendance at the awards ceremony for the Agricultural, Marine Resources and Agri-business Exposition.
Hosted by the Ministry and Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), Minister Cartwright described Expo last November as a real indication of his Ministry’s focus and steadfast commitment to the agriculture and agri-business sector.
One hundred and fifteen participants from throughout the islands showcased innovative agricultural strategies and best practices, and gave demonstrations in greenhouse techniques, hydroponics and hybridization.
Apprentices from twenty schools along with 15 professional chefs showcased their culinary skills. More than 200 of the best bred farm animals from throughout the islands were on display.
BAIC Executive Chairman Edison Key underscored the need for food security.
“As an independent nation, food security is an objective we must pursue as a matter of national priority,” he said. “If we don’t take care of ourselves, who is going to?
“Feeding ourselves is by far too important a task to be left to exporters out of Florida and/or elsewhere. Remember the predicament we found ourselves in the last time the United States closed its borders?
“At BAIC we are accelerating our efforts to inspire as many more Bahamians as possible, to become involved in business, especially in food production,” said Mr. Key.
The cost of hosting the event at the Gladstone Road Agriculture Centre was $136,014. Funding was secured from various line items in the budgets of the Ministry and BAIC, Mr. Cartwright told those gathered at the GRAC site.
Financial support and participation also came from the Ministry of Education, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture, Walpole Feed (USA), and Executive Motors (Nassau).
“The Department of Agriculture is committed to the development of a thriving agriculture industry in The Bahamas,” said Mr. Cartwright. “Let us work together to make agriculture and agri-business a strong pillar within the Bahamian economy.
