Agrofest is proof that Barbados can feed itself, said Minister of Rural Development Denis Kellman.
Speaking after a tour of the Rural Development Commission (RDC) sponsored booths at Agrofest in Queen’s Park, the City, earlier today, Kellman said there was “no logical reason” to continue importing food.
“Barbados is ready for the world and can easily feed itself. There is no logical reason to import food – this creates unemployment and leaks foreign exchange,” he said.
Kellman said there was value in using livestock to teach youth about hard work and not being idle, adding this was something the older generation grew up knowing, adding it was time to get back to renewable living.
“In this day and age we are so modern and educated, we do not realise the value of such things so we are depriving Barbados of what made sense,” he said.
Kellman also called for the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association and the Barbados Tourism Authority to take note of Agrofest and work hand in hand with local producers as tourists “left hamburgers to come for fish cakes and bakes”.
Earlier, Barbados Agricultural Society chief executive officer James Paul said he was happy with the way Agrofest was going this year.
Speaking after a tour with acting Governor General Elliott Belgrave, he said he had no problem working with entities such as the City of Bridgetown Constituency Council once they brought something to the table. (CA)
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