After years of enduring crippling heat, drought, and pests, one of Barbados’ leading farmers says he is now on the brink of calling it quits— not because of the usual challenges, but because praedial larceny is proving to be the final straw.
Speaking at a high-level forum at Kensington Oval on Thursday, owner of Armag Farms Limited, Richard Armstrong warned that repeated thefts have taken a heavier toll than any storm or disease, and if the situation doesn’t change, he’ll be forced to send his employees home and pack up business.
The forum, a joint initiative of Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), brought together various stakeholders including the Ministry of Agriculture, the police, security firms and farmers.
“I’ve never thought of closing down. Not through bugs, not through bad weather,” Armstrong said from the back of the room, his voice heavy with frustration. “But the stealing is getting to me and I think I’m one incident away from wrapping it all up.”
His gut-wrenching testimony was met with nods across the room, as farmers and sector leaders confirmed what many already knew: praedial larceny has become an existential threat to the country’s food producers.
For months, farmers have raised alarm bells over escalating theft, reporting everything from crops stripped days before harvest to livestock and equipment vanishing overnight.
Despite countless complaints, many say enforcement has been slow, penalties too soft, and support lacking.
CEO of the BAS James Paul told the forum that the sector was in real danger of collapse if urgent action was not taken.
“We’re sending the wrong message to our farmers. We cannot keep coming with the same old recipes. If we don’t act now, there won’t be farmers left to protect,” he warned stakeholders.
“If we don’t do something, and something serious, we’re going to lose agriculture altogether.”
Paul demanded that the government do more to support the industry.
His fellow farmers were not spared from the whip of his words either as he called on them to “stop accepting excuses”, speak out, unite in their advocacy, and hold policymakers accountable.
Addressing the forum, Acting Superintendent of Police Anthony Warner said the newly enacted Protection of Agricultural Products Act, passed in 2022 and gazetted in 2024, could be a game changer but only if it’s backed with real enforcement and buy-in from every player in the supply chain.
“The law now demands that anyone found with commercial quantities of produce must show proof of ownership whether a receipt, delivery note, or bill of lading, or face the courts,” Warner shared.
“Before, we couldn’t touch them. Now, either you share your receipt, prove you plant or face the law court.”
The legislation gives police clearer authority to pursue not only thieves, but also the people who knowingly buy stolen produce, the “receivers” who keep the black market alive.
Warner however, stressed that the police cannot do this alone.
Acting Chief Agricultural Officer Michael James, who also addressed the forum, noted that enforcement has always been a challenge, and that this crisis must be treated as a societal problem and not just a legal one.
“We need to go back to basics: if it’s not yours, don’t take it,” he said.
“Farmers need to team up, install cameras, notify the police ahead of harvesting. We need to take this seriously.”
He noted that there exist rebates and incentives for farmers to invest in security systems and encouraged them to register with the ministry to take advantage of the support systems.
The call for shared action was echoed by IICA’s Barbados Representative Allister Glean, who said everyone, from producers to consumers, has a part to play.
“It’s not just about the government,” Glean said. “Farmers must provide receipts. Buyers must request them. Consumers must ask questions. The judiciary must impose penalties. Even insurance companies need to come to the table and offer coverage for praedial larceny.”
The officials noted that other forums will be held to bring stakeholders together as they work in tandem to address the scourge of praedial larceny and other issues affecting the industry. (SM)
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