Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon Lawrence S ‘Larry’ Cartwright admires straw work during the Exuma agri-business fair last weekend. (BIS photo/Derek Smith)
Nassau,
Bahamas - The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources’ all-Bahamas
agri-expo moves to New Providence on Thursday at the Gladstone Road Agriculture
Centre.
It will be
officially opened 10am by Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Hon
Lawrence S ‘Larry’ Cartwright.
The expo
will feature products in the categories of ornamental, vegetable, root crops,
fruits, poultry, marine resources and livestock.
Officials show off produce during last weekend’s Exuma agri-business fair. Pictured from left are Ministry of Agriculture’s First Assistant Secretary Tellis Mullings; Exuma MP Anthony Moss; Administrator Ivan Ferguson and Chief Councillor Teddy Clarke. (BIS photo/Derek Smith)
It
is a partnership between the Government and stakeholders - producers, buyers
and educators.
Last
weekend was Exuma’s turn to show off its wares.
Under the
central theme, ‘Progressing Toward Food Security’, expos are next scheduled for
Andros, Cat Island and Abaco.
The Ministry
had envisaged holding a national expo every year at the Gladstone Road
Agricultural Center in New Providence. Two such expos were held.
“However,
based on the interest, demand and request from the Family Islands,” said Mr
Cartwright, “the vision was expanded and our focus refined and we are hosting
with local support ten such expos throughout The Bahamas.
“In
realizing the expanded vision, we called upon farmers, administrators,
teachers, consumers, buyers and sellers, fishermen and producers throughout The
Bahamas to plan and organize island-based expos.
“The full support of the Government is being given to
these expos. Funds are allocated in our 2009/10 budget to supply seed money.”
Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources’ First Assistant Secretary Tellis Mullings shows off what Exuma can produce during last weekend’s agri-business fair. (BIS photo/Derek Smith)
Mr
Cartwright said the Ministry has determined to progress toward food security by
encouraging increased production in the areas of vegetable, root crops, fruits,
poultry, marine resources and livestock.
The Ministry
is also mandated to address issues that adversely impact marine resources.
“In this
regard,” he said, “we have created marine protected areas, and closed the
seasons for the harvesting of lobster, grouper and stone crab to ensure their
adequacy and sustainability. “
An
assessment of agriculture and fisheries with the assistance of the Food and
Agriculture Organization is being undertaken.
“Friendly
competition is a part of the National Expo,” said Mr Cartwright. “This
encourages the best among producers to achieve the best they can. With these
island expos, judging for the nationals begins.
“This
process now allows for wider and fairer assessments to take place. In February
2011 at the culminating event the National Agribusiness Expo competitors in
myriad areas will learn who the winners are.”