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by pltm
(PLTM) - Opposition member and Representative of the Third District, Hon. Julian Fraser has urged government to work towards restoring and rebuilding the confidence of citizens to improve agriculture.
He strongly believes that for the BVI to return to the ‘glory days’ of agriculture, it must have a robust and comprehensive plan to strategically strengthen and expand this dwindling sector.
The Third District Representative questioned the government on its vision for the sector going forward, and suggested that creating an Agriculture Week is a good place to start to build that confidence in people.
“This is a week that the farmers get to showcase their produce,” he said during a recent sitting of the House of Assembly before the 2019 Standing Finance Committee (SFC).
Acting Chief Agricultural Officer (AgCAO) Tessa Smith-Claxton, who was before the committee, stated that one of the reasons that agriculture is on the decline is the lack of a true vision in terms of a policy or strategy direction for the sector.
She further stated that there is no clear information as to what is being produced locally, who the farmers are, where they are, or what they are growing and what their needs are.
The AgCAO noted the need to know what the market demands and what can be grown in the BVI.
“The next couple of months the focus will be on understanding what type of agriculture is needed in the Virgin Islands, what is needed to be done, who are the farmers, what can be farmed, what should be farmed and outline a strategy from there as to where to go,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Member for the Seventh District, Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley responded by stating that the structure for the vision of agriculture must be right.
He explained that there is proposal for the Agriculture Department to focus on the regulations of agriculture and to provide technical support through the extension officers and some level of subsidy.
The Minister stated that the proposal involves the establishment of a statutory body that will focus on commercial agricultural operations.
Further, it will also involve identifying land for commercial agricultural purposes and should be partnering with farmers through a co-operative and determine what crops would be produced. This is as opposed to farmers coming up with what they want to produce, but what the market demands.
Wheatley said, “We intend to seek those persons that are serious about agriculture and to ensure that the plots are productive.”
According to him, poultry will be a major area of investment, as he believes that it is poised for strong growth through public-private partnerships.
The Minister offered the Members of the Assembly to sit with officials from his Ministry to assist in developing a new vision for agriculture that will see sustainable growth and economic benefits for BVI.
The BVI has for many years depended on many overseas countries to supplement the shortfall in food and agriculture products, and to date continues to spend millions to import most its food supply.
