Gov’t must invest more in agriculture — Dawson
Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr Karl Dawson is urging the government to prioritise investments in agriculture and fisheries to boost food security in the Virgin Islands.
During a recent government programme, Dr Dawson outlined a plan to make the territory more self-sufficient by increasing food production.
“The key piece, I believe, for us is to produce more food,” Dr Dawson stated. “If you’re gonna produce more food, then there are certain principles, I believe, that must be there. Government itself must continue to invest more in the agriculture and fisheries sector.”
Increased production of crops and livestock
He emphasised the importance of food security and food sovereignty, explaining that this would require increased production across crops and livestock.
Dr Dawson highlighted plans to make more land available for farming in Anegada and Virgin Gorda.
“A survey team was completing work on Anegada to delineate various plots… for the increased production of crops, as well as livestock,” he shared. The junior minister added that the territory aims to expand into poultry and pork production, with aquaculture also under consideration.
Reservoir and complex
The government is also preparing significant infrastructural projects, including a reservoir at Paraquita Bay and an agriculture and fisheries complex, both of which are expected to begin in 2025. Training programmes and climate-resilient farming techniques such as hydroponics and shade houses will also play a key role in agricultural development.
He also addressed the challenges farmers face due to climate change.
“This year has been a year of tremendous rainfall… but also one of the hottest years we’ve had on record. That has also had its downside as far as the agriculture sector is concerned,” Dr Dawson noted.
Education Ministry and agriculture stakeholders partner
He added that the new methods would help farmers retain moisture and adapt to the changing climate.
The Education Ministry of Education is working with agricultural stakeholders to encourage younger generations to enter the sector, foster interest, and provide exposure to farming and fishing as viable career paths.
“There are persons between the ages of 20 and 40 who have a keen interest in agriculture,” Dr Dawson remarked, calling for greater collaboration between experienced farmers and younger individuals.
He also highlighted the need to ensure locally produced food meets organic standards, noting that some Virgin Islands farms already adopt sustainable practices. “We’re going to have to have systems for standards where we can assure the public that this food has been produced in an organic fashion.”
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When the Government with NO PLAN clear cut acres of the old growth trees at South Sound on VG for greenhouses. Nothing was built. Not one seed was ever planted. For years and years now the only thing produced was mud into the sea every time it rains destroying one of the most beautiful untouched coral reefs in the BVI.
They sure did destroyed the coral reef what a shame. The ones who is responsible is still walking around with skid tire marks in their underwear.
It has been 2 years since this government came to Anegada with this hogwash. A sign was erected and a dedication ceremony performed. Nothing else. Promises were made that farmers would have been allocated lands before the end of the year. I guess you meant by the end of this government’s term so that it can be used as a political leverage to garner votes. This Waste of a government need to stop LYING to the public.
Isn’t this the same rhetoric that has been peddled to constituents for the past 3 years, since the introduction of the weak ‘Food Security Act of 2022?” Has anyone read said Act? Another statutory board to give teeth to charge farmers fees on now required licenses, and services with no mention of aid for said farmers. Come on, you all are NOT fooling anyone but yourselves. Taking from the people to fill the government coffers with no injection to benefit the people of these Virgin Islands. A d*mn shame!
Still beating this dead horse? Wow! Year after year, politician after politician telling everyone something we’ve known for decades! But to this day nothing actually being done. Wow
The government has turned Agricultural lands at paraquita Bay into a dumping ground for all types of garbage. I eurge the media to go up their and take a look. The government/Director of responsible for the department,holds no meaningful meetings with the farmers on issues evolving the sector, and are now preparing to construct a building that suppose to increase productivity.The department doesn’t even possess a registered updated farmers list,and then we have the blue economy and yes their is money there …….All I’m saying is please stop allowing government after government to take us for fools.
Government must invest more in Agriculture. Which Government are you speaking about?
Dawson are speaking out of your head or are you just not in it. Boy you let me down big time.
of the comments above represents the political grief that is being experienced by the populace.
Whenever we elected a government where from the top down main focus was enriching themselves with asmuch money as possible.
Some knew of the plan, stood back and took a look as they first ent at Social Security, then ahuge bank loan before other capable powers stepped in and took of the head of the apperatus.
What is left now are the ones picking up the pieces while carrying some details of their own.