Farmers could benefit from renewable energy

Local farmers, especially those rearing chickens, could benefit from renewable energy projects designed for them that could see them relying more on solar power to fuel their farms.

 

This is the view of CEO of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), James Paul, who recently lamented that farmers have not really been able to tap into renewable energy projects in a more meaningful way, given the push towards such initiatives for the country as a whole.

 

“I recall when the whole renewable energy (initiative) came in, consumers bought into it and this was good, but I am hoping that we haven’t lost the opportunity to see if the same level of benefits given for consumer purposes, can also be granted for our productive sectors. 

 

The level of rebates received by consumers are hefty rebates, which I think is good and it helps to actually promote the renewable energy sector, especially when it comes to solar electricity. 

 

“However, I would have liked to see, really, in terms of the farming and manufacturing sector, the farming community especially, [more done, since] we have a lot of space that we can use for solar generation, when it comes to chicken farms,” Paul remarked.

 

“I really think that maybe we could have seen a special programme for our farming sector, that would allow them to refit a lot of their enterprises, to be able to utilise solar 

electricity. That didn’t happen, and I am not sure whether or not at this point in time, it can happen,” Paul added. He also noted that some effort however, is being made on the part of the BAS, to see how a special initiative can be brought on stream to aid farmers at present, in reducing their energy costs.

 

“We’re having some discussions at the moment and hopefully, we will be able to see at least a special initiative for the farming sector, that they can actually get energy at a cheaper cost. 

 

“The benefits are tremendous if we can do that, because if we can reduce the price at which we are producing our products, it means that we are more competitive in the first place and we would be able – of course in being more competitive – to give the products to consumers at a more reasonable price,” Paul pointed out.

 

“If we can do that, it means too that we can increase the attractiveness of the agricultural sector and provide investment opportunities for people who want to get in,” Paul further stated.