Category 5 Hurricane resistant greenhouse will support food security

Drought and storms are taking a heavy toll on this island’s agriculture industry and with more of these weather systems predicted to happen due to climate change, it is imperative that mechanisms are implemented to ensure food security.

To this end, Island Growers Caribbean has constructed the first 100 percent climate smart and Category Five Hurricane resistant greenhouse system in the region.

Located in St. Philip, the greenhouse is set to produce over 4,000 pounds per month of organic quality greens for the local market, with a focus on ‘cold weather crops’ including fresh greens, herbs, berry fruits, tomatoes and peppers.

Co-Founder of Island Growers Caribbean and Founder of the Connecticut-based Alquimi Renewables, Ralph Birkhoff, said the fire-retardant, corrosion, pest, earthquake and volcanic ash-resistant structure is 5,000 square feet will be expanded to 25,000 square feet in about six to eight months and incorporate solar technology.

A few months ago in speaking to The Barbados Advocate, he revealed Island Growers Caribbean’s efforts to recruit young people into agriculture again, while indicating that the company is working with the Barbados Employment and Career Counselling Service in the Ministry of Labour. Island Growers Caribbean is receiving job applications for the greenhouse farm.

“I was thrilled by the fact that we opted to establish in Barbados. Your Prime Minister is very vocal and focused on national and regional food security. She understands the issues and vulnerabilities of over-dependency and as an island you have actively encouraged local agriculture in all forms. Barbados has always had a long history with agriculture and we are pleased to work with our local partners at Armag Farms to contribute to current and future goals and improve the quality of fresh food available locally,” said Birkoff, in the recent edition of the Invest Barbados newsletter.

Birkhoff also shared that the agri-solutions business has an initial equity capital investment of US$500K for Phase One with commitments up to US$3M at the Phase Three project level.