Draft Agricultural and Fisheries plan to be unveiled soon
The government is preparing to unveil a draft agricultural and fisheries plan to enhance food security and advance sustainable practices across the territory.
Speaking at the annual Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition, Dr Karl Dawson who was Junior Minister for Agriculture at the time, announced that public consultations on the draft plan are scheduled for April.
The plan will focus on ensuring the safety and health of food, whether locally produced or imported. It also promotes agriculture and fisheries as viable business enterprises and career paths. Strengthening the legal and regulatory frameworks and securing land and marine spaces for development are also central components.
Dr Dawson revealed that most of the survey work had been completed on Anegada and Virgin Gorda, with license agreement templates being finalised to assign lots for agricultural use. “I would like to thank the minister responsible, the Deputy Premier, for the cooperation that we are getting from his ministry on this initiative,” he stated.
Supporting a well-managed food production system is another core aspect of the plan. This includes training, grants, and other support for developing poultry and livestock production, exploring aquaculture, and introducing new technology to enhance farming and fishing practices. “We are scheduling an online session with an organisation, Let’s Farm, based in Trinidad and Boston. They’ve developed an app for farmers which we intend to customise for the use of farmers here in the BVI,” Dawson explained.
The plan also seeks to identify avenues for financial support to advance the sectors and establish long-term policies for sustainability.
Dr Dawson highlighted collaborative efforts with various organisations, including the Department of Waste Management and Green VI, to manage organic waste and ensure resources are available to farmers. Partnerships with the BVI Tourist Board aim to promote local products in the hospitality sector.
He also announced progress on major projects like the Paraquita Bay reservoir and the Agriculture and Fisheries Complex, now under the guidance of the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA). “They are actively moving them forward, including consultations with stakeholders, the importance of which is key to us moving forward,” he stated.
In addressing fisheries, Dawson emphasised plans to designate central and regional landing sites to provide essential services for the industry. Discussions are underway to arrange a visit from a leading Anguillan fisherman to share expertise and strategies for growth.
Dr Dawson encouraged public participation in the consultation process and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
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And this is how they will suck the cash out of another ministry and get the kicbacks into their own pockets:
“We are scheduling an online session with an organisation, Let’s Farm, based in Trinidad and Boston. They’ve developed an app for farmers which we intend to customise for the use of farmers here in the BVI,”
Haven’t even talked to one farmer here but we already intend to use the APP.
Very Poor Effort to convince anyone that these vital sectors are moving in the right direction. Could do better. Please try harder.
At this rate they’ll get a plan just in time for election and next minster to start all over again.
gov is mean, talk just to insult people
It is absolutely and apparently clear that neither this or past administrative governments ever had any interest in the VI’s food and or water security beyond a de-sal plant. Much more needs to be done before the world turns cataclysmic.
Every human being has the right to clean water and food, and it is every governments’ responsibility to make contingency plans for the worst scenario.
Hence, agriculture, food production, and water production in the form of reservoirs must be created.
It is only a fool that would put his entire existence upon the whims of others for his survival..