THE GROWING OF orchids in Barbados can be developed to become a major money earner, says Minister of Agriculture Dr David Estwick, who pledged Government support to help develop the horticultural industry.
He acknowledged that Barbados’ commercial production of orchids was still small – less than two acres, but said that with the provision of resources additional growth could occur.
“The net effect would be the enhancement of our tourism product, creation of specialised employment and create an avenue for the generation of foreign exchange,” he said.
“The Ministry of Agriculture pledges to continue to provide the necessary support in the form of incentives, including rebates on greenhouses, irrigation systems, farm security, spraying equipment and duty free concession on imported plant material for agricultural enterprises to ensure viability and sustainability of the horticultural industry.”
The minister was speaking Friday evening at the cocktail reception and awards presentation which marked the opening of the Barbados Orchid Society exhibition 2015 under the theme Orchids Cahn Dun at the Horticultural Society, Balls Plantation, Christ Church.
Estwick said the ministry has envisioned a sector where locally bred orchids are as much a feature of the Barbadian landscape as is the Barbados Black Belly Sheep. (LK)
