Farmers in Long Island have identified immediate assistance with land clearing, entry into the poultry market and the introduction of shrimp farming as critical to expanding the island’s agriculture output.

The concerns were raised during a virtual meeting hosted by the Michael Pintard, minister of agriculture and marine resources, which brought together key personnel from all related sub agencies along with the island’s farming community.

Chaired by Joel Lewis, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Pintard said the government and farmer equally split the costs associated with land clearing equipment such as tractors. The Ministry of Agriculture is also working on restoring the packing house in Clarence Town, which is expected to be completed by July’s end.

Gregory Bethel, from the Department of Marine Resources, told farmers that Long Island had been identified for the creation of various Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). He said a team was currently in the process of trying to set up virtual meetings, or visit the island, to come to a meeting of the minds with residents. Legislation now mandates that some 20 percent of marine areas fall under protection.

For persons interested in shrimp farming, Mr Bethel advised that the first step was to create a business plan before seeking funding from the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) for their project. He said the marine resources unit could assist interested persons with preparation of the project proposal.

From a national perspective, Mr Lewis announced the Ministry’s intention to transform the Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre (GRAC) into a technology-driven space that provides acreage for young agriculturalists and agriprenuers who need land to launch their businesses. The government is also looking to implement a public-private partnership (PPP) over management of the feed mill in New Providence.

Currently being rolled out, in conjunction with the Bahamas Development Bank (BDB), is the Community Poultry Project that will kickstart broiler and egg production for small farmers. Farmers in Grand Bahama and Abaco are receiving layers, feed and other support to begin, and other islands will shortly be included.

Andrew Pinder, of the Department of Agriculture, told farmers it was also supporting farmers who are involved in table egg or layer production. The goal is to expand the programme to registered farmers who already have layer chickens and suitable space for livestock production.

“We will supply chicks to all major islands and target groups, including schools with a livestock programme, and housewives. We will be providing chicks, feed until the birds are at least 26 weeks old, bedding and technical assistance. Participants must provide data related to any mortalities, challenges, successes. When they get to the sale or use of the eggs we will collect the information,” he said.

Mr Pinder added that the department also wants to know about any partnerships or cooperatives formed among the farmers. He said the layer chicks are being offered at no cost, and it was an opportunity for persons to increase their operation.

Mr Lewis, meanwhile, also listed a crop forecasting programme being implemented by the Ministry’s policy and planning unit, which will identify what produce is currently in the ground and what can be expected over next 90 days. This will allow the government to better control the importation of fruit and vegetable. By creating a registry/schedule, hotels and restaurants will also feel more confident ordering produce locally.

An addition to the crop forecasting programme will be the creation of a new regulatory environment for agriculture. Farmers have long been concerned that they have not been given adequate access to the domestic market.

Moving forward, the government plans to implement legislation that enforces the purchase of local produce. Investors, hoteliers and restaurants will be required to purchase at least 40 per cent of their produce from the Bahamian agriculture sector, while the government will be required to meet at least 70 percent of its needs locally.

Brickell Pinder, head of the Ministry’s policy and planning unit, told farmers a special framework for the Ministry’s response to COVID-19 had been created. The eight-point framework includes an expansion of crop production to support the ability of the domestic agriculture sector to provide all of the vegetables needed for Bahamians to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The framework also takes a look at the impact hurricanes and natural disasters have on the farming community and the nation’s food security levels. Jeri Kelly, an officer with the policy and planning unit, explained the ministry was driving a hydroponics programme, set to launch on August 1, with the objective to intensify local food production.

The progamme will provide participants with training and development – both online and onsite, plus access to the hydroponics systems that will take the form of a 50/50 partnership with the government paying half and the farmer paying half. Monthly payments will begin 120 days after the start of the operation.

Technical, record keeping and management support will also be provided. Participants must meet certain criteria, including having access to land and water resources. The Ministry hopes to attract young persons and recent graduates to support the launch of their entrepreneurial venture.

Ms Pinder indicated the Ministry is working with Keith Daley, senior food technologist, to develop food processing modules. She noted that overproduction of certain produce is an issue in some areas, but the creation of value-added items, such as sauces and jams, can increase profit levels for farmers.

The ministry will also be launching a series of webinars, along with supporting literature and other materials, to encourage Bahamians to eat healthy. The emergency food programme on health will be shared with farmers and the public.

The Ministry also announced it is holding a free six-week course in “Good Agricultural Practices”. The focus is on post-harvest practices and targets farmers and persons along the food supply chain.