In recent times we have been hearing constantly of the need to reduce costs of production of crops as well as the need to reduce our dependence on imported inputs. There are a number of things we can do in this regard, but few farmers seem to be taking this issue seriously. Continue reading →

The importance of food security for Barbados was recognized many years ago, especially during the Second World War when shipping was under threat and imports of food could not be relied upon. Local farmers were encouraged to increase their production of food crops and reduce the island’s reliance on overseas shipments. They responded positively and the effort successfully took Barbados safely through some difficult times. Continue reading →

“For your country
If you plan for a year – sow paddy
If you plan for a decade – plant trees
If you plan for the future – nurture youth”
Taken from 1992 Youth Policy Document for India

As we noted in our last column, agriculture has been defined as “the art, science and industry of managing the growth of plants and animals for human use” and agricultural science as “a broad multidisciplinary field that encompasses the parts of exact, natural, economic and social sciences that are used in the practice and understanding of agriculture”. Continue reading →

At this time of global food shortages, much has been said about the need to ensure our food security and sovereignty. However our actions have not, in many cases, matched our words. We must realize that the total responsibility does not lie with government alone, it does not lie with supermarkets alone, it is the collective responsibility of all Barbadians. Continue reading →

Do you care that in the present environment of trade liberalization, which brings stiff competition from around the world, farmers in this country are denied access to the agricultural chemicals so necessary to their competitiveness? Continue reading →