Farmers Urged To Band Together To Access Funding

[gallery]Farmers need to form themselves into groups in order to access the funding available for them to develop and improve their farms. This is being urged by Minister of Labour and Natural Resources, Hon. Dr. Kedrick Pickering.

Earlier this year, it was disclosed that the farming and fishing industries suffered over $13 million in losses following hurricanes Irma and Maria, and $300,000 was allocated to help with rebuilding the sectors this year.

Speaking at the World Food Day Cultural Food Fair on Friday, October 19, Dr. Pickering explained that funding available for the advancement of farming cannot be accessed by individual farmers.

“At the Department of Agriculture, we are spearheading a project through overseas countries and territories…to encourage farmers to come together and take advantage of the opportunities that greenhouse technologies bring,” he stated.

No Image Found!
BVI Platinum News

(PLTM) - However, he added, “It is important that farmers join together because the funds that are available for us to embark on such an ambitious project, it mandates and specifies that we must have a minimum of seven to ten farmers who are interested, and must work cooperatively in order for us to access the funding.”

It is imperative that focus be placed on the development of agriculture, Dr. Pickering stated, further saying, “governments must create opportunities for greater private sector investments in agriculture by boosting social protection programmes for the vulnerable.”

Small scale farmers were also called upon to “adopt new sustainable agricultural methods to increase productivity and income.”

According to Minister Pickering, “That is extremely important, because to ensure the resilience of communities requires an approach that is mindful of the environment, that leverages the power of technological innovation and creates stable and rewarding employment opportunities.”

He further posited that the technologies that are available and have been “perfected by other countries in the world” to improve food production should be utilised in the BVI.

Reader Opinion
Please note that the opinions posted are the opinions of its author and does not in any way reflect the views of the management, staff, parent company or sponsors of Virgin Islands Platinum News.
There are no comments to show at this time.
Cruise Schedule
IN PORT - TODAY ( 29 March )
We have no cruise ship in port on this day!
IN PORT - TOMORROW ( 30 March )
We have no cruise ship in port on this day!