Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), James Paul, has called for greater collaboration between private sector buyers and local producers to strengthen the island’s agricultural supply chains and reduce dependence on imports.
Delivering his annual report at the BAS’ annual general meeting held recently at Accra Beach Hotel in Christ Church, he said that despite positive developments within the dairy sector and growing interest in crop cultivation, the inability to effectively market farmers’ produce continues to hinder progress.
“The big issue has always been the marketing of farmers’ products and how to facilitate more effective marketing,” Paul told members. “Too much of the supply chains for agricultural commodities in Barbados are not linked to agricultural produce. There seems to be no conscious attempt by the private sector to see how they can better connect with local producers to secure supplies.”
He stressed that the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) cannot be expected to shoulder this responsibility alone.
“The only way we can solve the problem is when local retailers, hotels, restaurants and other buyers recognise that they have as much a responsibility as Government in ensuring there is a market for local agricultural produce,” he added.
Paul said the BAS was focused this year on helping its commodity groups become more self-sustaining amid financial constraints. He also noted that the importation of dairy cattle has started to yield encouraging results.
“We had a very successful year with the imported cows, and we have tried to maximise the benefits of that importation. It has helped to stabilise trends in the industry and created renewed interest from persons who may have had underutilised capacity and now wish to reinvest,” he explained.
He revealed that the new capacity within the dairy sector had even attracted interest from a returning farmer who could contribute significantly to local milk production.
“If we can get at least 900 kilogrammes per day from that individual, it will make a difference,” Paul noted.
However, he cautioned that several long-standing issues continue to constrain efficiency and competitiveness. Among the most pressing, he said, was the lack of a properly equipped veterinary laboratory to support livestock farmers.
“We cannot have a situation where farmers are unable to properly evaluate what is happening on their farms or get timely treatment.”
Turning to crop production, Paul highlighted the need to address pests affecting lime trees and to build on the work of the Papaya Development Committee to revitalise papaya farming. He also urged an expansion of yam cultivation and the consolidation of gains in sweet potato and watermelon production.
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