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by pltm
(PLTM) - Even as local farmers continue cry foul over lack of support from the government, Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Labour, Hon. Dr. Kedrick Pickering has stated that the traditional Farmer's Week Exhibition is too costly for the government to sustain.
The annual exhibition where farmers are given an opportunity Territory-wide to showcase their produce, has been allocated $6,500 this year. There will be no exhibition at Paraquita Bay this year; rather, an Agricultural Fair will be held at the Noel Lloyd Action Movement Park in November.
The $6,500 allocation is a major reduction compared to 2006, when the department received some $140,000.
During the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) discussions, Dr. Pickering, who is accused of not being sincere about farming, said that the traditional agricultural exhibition as it is normally held, has become unsustainable in terms of the cost.
He explained that they had hoped with the House of Assembly's approval to borrow $1.5M for the greenhouses, that they would be operational.
The Minister further stated that they thought it was practical to have the agricultural fair/exhibition later in the year to facilitate the demonstration and showcasing of the greenhouses, and they are still hopeful.
Meanwhile, in response to queries, Chief Agricultural Officer, Mr. Bevin Braithwaite said that the Agriculture Department hope to facilitate the Agricultural Fair instead of the traditional agricultural exhibition at Paraquita Bay on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada.
Fifth District Representative, Hon. Delores Christopher asked whether the $6,500 could fund the fair. The Chief Agricultural Officer responded that it is intended that a budget of that nature would be sufficient to facilitate it and the department should not incur much expenses.
He further stated that the department would provide tents for the farmers and entertainment, but the other vendors would be asked to provide their own tents.
He added that some level of transportation would be provided for crop farmers from the sister islands who wish to attend.
Braithwaite also noted that they do not intend to have any agricultural fair activities on the sister islands.
Hon. Christopher asked about the vision for 2018 and if they propose to eliminate the agricultural exhibition altogether.
The Chief Agricultural Officer said that the activities have been scaled back from the exhibition to the agricultural fair, indicating that he hopes the farmers would get themselves together. He noted that last year the farmers had gotten together and facilitated an agricultural fair at the Noel Loyd Action Movement Park.
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