Ministry launches composite demonstration and training farm

A COMPOSITE demonstration and training farm is the way forward in alleviating food security, whilst promoting sustainable agriculture.

This is according to Permanent Secretary Esworth Reid in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resources Management.

At present, 25 acres of land in Graeme Hall has been allocated by the Ministry for sustainable agriculture.

Reid told The Barbados Advocate, “The farm will demonstrate environmentally friendly methods and techniques of farming using the ecosystem, greenhouse technology, vertical agriculture, agroforestry and permaculture.”

“It is our goal to create a strong link between the farm and the tourism industry, whilst demonstrating climate smart agricultural techniques and ways we can mitigate and adapt to climate change.”

Reid revealed, “At present the demonstration farm is at Phase One, but when completed promises to be a must stop place of interest for persons... a sanctuary... one with a rich aesthetical design which will be comprised of a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional plants.”

“The farm will feature a variety of trees such as jack fruit, breadfruit and guinea corn to name a few. It will be a museum of exotic indigenous fruit trees and techniques and production of various crops on the farm.”

Brian-Lee Chandler, Assistant Project Manager at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management for the Youth Agriculture Entrepreneurship Incubator Programme said, “My main focus is to push the Youth Agriculture Entrepreneurship Incubator programme, part of which is to help establish the composite demonstration farm.”

“In Phase One of the ‘organic’ incubator farm, we are looking to establish two large fish ponds, a growing up pond and a breeding pond integrated with the aquaponics system, part of a new technology we are trying to integrate and use.”

Chandler revealed, “We are also looking to install greenhouses and shade houses, whilst incorporating medicinal crops into the farm, utilising different technologies that will enhance the agricultural sector to help reposition it, seeing we have a very high importation bill.”

“A measure that will help farmers see there are alternatives as we lessen the carbon footprint that a lot of farmers would have impacted upon the environment within the past by utilising harmful fertilisers and pesticides.”