MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE Haynesley Benn has appealed to CARICOM leaders to hasten the implementation of "a network of sea transportation" to allow affordable produce to be shipped across the Caribbean.

Determined to ramp up the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables to Barbadians at a cost they can afford, Benn said the the realisation of such a sea network was high on his agenda.

"I am calling on all ministers of agriculture and heads of government to put on their agenda the acquisition of some form of sea transportation through which to ship produce through the Caribbean," Benn told the SUNDAY SUN.

"We need a network of transportation to help integrate our food supplies and (strengthen) our food security," stressed the MP.

"I wish that our CARICOM representatives will see it fit to invest in the kind of sea transportation that will help bring produce not only when it is in glut but to create the sort of linkages required for farmers to know that they can produce in abundance in one country and don't have to throw it away," stressed Benn. "Their produce will reach these shores," he assured.

His concern followed an earlier report in this newspaper which highlighted that 40 000 pounds of bananas had been dumped in St Vincent at a time when Barbadians were paying exorbitant prices per kilogram for the fruit in local supermarkets.

"I am also making a call on all our agricultural ministries throughout the Eastern Caribbean to give their full support to farmers' organsiations," said Benn, adding that it was through farmers and their organisations that such goals could be reached.

"For many years, it has been one of my dreams to create a linkage and stronger ties between and among CARICOM countries," said the minister, who has been associated with agriculture in the Caribbean since 1983.

In a recent address at George Washington House, Benn underscored the need to also create linkages between agriculture and other sectors. (KD)