FREEPORT, G.B. – Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr. Michael Darville said Friday that a part of his ministry’s mandate is the promotion of agricultural development in Grand Bahama.
He also unveiled some of his ministry’s plans for attracting young people to the agricultural field.
He said his ministry is about creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for all residents of Grand Bahama, and that he is excited about the Government’s plans that are clearly outlined in the Charter for Governance and the synergistic working relationship that his ministry has developed with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation.
Dr. Darville was addressing the National Cooperative and Agricultural Forum held at the Wallace Groves Auditorium.
The United Nations have declared 2012 as The International Year of Cooperatives, and to that end the Department of Cooperative Development in collaboration with its sector partners hosted a two -day forum under the theme: Moving Toward Food Security and Economic Empowerment Through Farming on Grand Bahama Island.
Dr. Darville officially opened the conclave saying that it is his desire to see the agricultural sector fully reactivated and flourishing.
He told the many farmers attending the forum and others looking at the industry, that his ministry will work with the Minister for Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government, V. Alfred Gray, who will provide the technical expertise, funding and support necessary for existing farmers to become viable by creating opportunities to enter the industry and become successful Argo business people.
The Grand Bahama resident noted that research has shown that there are thousands of jobs and countless entrepreneurial opportunities lying dormant in the agricultural sector on Grand Bahama, and that the government in its job creation plan must capitalise on this great opportunity.
According to Dr. Darville, at present there are only 17 farmers registered with the Grand Bahama Farmers Association, although there are other home and back yard farmers who are producing tropical fruits and vegetables on a small scale.
“In short order, my ministry will begin investigating the market that exists and move to assist farmers by creating opportunities with buyers who would be prepared to partner with them to increase the production capability through new and innovative means.
“Also, another one of my ministry’s objectives is to heighten public awareness about the necessity of agriculture in the restoration of Grand Bahama economy, attract young persons from the high school level to the farming industry, and to invest in the training of individuals who have expressed interest in farming while capitalising on the skills that presently exist in the Haitian community,” he stated.
Dr. Darville admitted that there seems to be a stigma attached to farming and as a result, many young people are not attracted to a career in the industry.
“Nevertheless, it is my ministry’s intent to ensure that persons in our community are made aware of the endless and rewarding possibilities of a career in agriculture,” he stated.
Continuing, the Minister for Grand Bahama said his ministry intends to partner with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture to attract more high school students to agriculture by introducing a three-year agricultural cadet programme for students in grades 10-12.
This he said “will be an in depth, dynamic programme that will teach students the fundamentals of farming and allow them to receive hands on training while receiving a small monthly stipend.
“My ministry also intends to partner with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute to develop a practical course in the fundamentals of crop science and husbandry.
“Upon completion of these practical courses, graduates who are serious about pursuing a career in agriculture will be eligible to apply for plots of leased agricultural land in east Grand Bahama and have access to equipment and land preparation through a well structured co-op team,” he said.
Dr. Darville added that it was important to note that the entire programme will be under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture consulting teams of experts who would be responsible for crops planning and support to all farmers.
“My Ministry also intends to offer grants and low interest loans through BAIC and the Ministry of Investment to individuals who complete the BTVI practical training in agriculture, all in an attempt to help these new Grand Bahamian agricultural entrepreneurs to defray the high start up cost, to sustain themselves for the period of time between planting and harvest keeping them motivated while helping their business ventures in the early stages,” he said.
Likewise, the Minister for Grand Bahama told existing farmers that his ministry intends to address their concerns as well.
“Firstly, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government, my ministry will assist in providing the machinery needed for land preparation and cultivation that would certainly reduce cost for farmers.
“In addition, we will provide duty free concessions for farm equipment and vehicles used to transport produce from east Grand Bahama to Freeport.
“Further, my ministry will encourage small retail operators to partner with local farmers and purchase locally produced products. We will also partner with the Ministry of Tourism to influence hoteliers to buy locally,” he stated.
Dr. Darville also informed that his ministry will assist farmers who are exploring options in mariculture. He noted that there are presently some farmers in east Grand Bahama considering fish, shrimp, conch and lobster farming for export.
He also informed that his ministry will take steps to plan and later construct through a private public partnership a packaging and canning facility which will eliminate wastage, provide more jobs and bring more revenue to Grand Bahama Island.
Dr. Darville said Grand Bahama has all the ingredients for successful farming, including easy opportunity for shipping products. He said we have talked for many years about agricultural development but “now is the time to act.”
By SIMON LEWIS
Bahamas Information Services
Caption: MINISTER for Grand Bahama, Dr. Michael Darville addressing a National Cooperative and Agricultural Forum on Friday past at the Wallace Groves Auditorium. Seated is BAIC Northern Region Acting General Manager, Mr. H. Rudy Sawyer. (BIS Photo / Simon Lewis)
