A multimillion-dollar initiative to strengthen Barbados’ coastal fisheries sector was officially launched on Monday, aimed at helping the industry rebound from the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in 2024.

The US$2.93 million (BDS$5.92 million) Coastal Fisheries Resilience Project, funded by the United Nations and the government of Japan, will support the recovery and long-term sustainability of the fishing industry through a wide range of infrastructure, training, and disaster preparedness measures.

At the launch event held at the Fisheries Division, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Limya Eltayeb, underscored the significance of the project, particularly as the island continues to recover from last year’s storm.

“The Bridgetown Fisheries Complex, the Oistins complex, and many smaller fishing sites were all severely affected. More than 200 boats were damaged, representing a major loss to the economy,” Eltayeb stated. “This initiative is a testament to the strength of our partnerships—with fisherfolk, the Fisheries Division, the Ministry of the Blue Economy, and the Government of Japan.”

The year-long project will go beyond physical reconstruction. According to Eltayeb, it will include the provision of emergency communications equipment, ice machines for fish vendors and processors, and a travel lift capable of hauling boats up to 52 tonnes at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex. Additionally, disaster preparedness plans will be reviewed and updated, while fisherfolk and their union will benefit from capacity-building programmes, including training in boat building and business continuity.

Ambassador of Japan to Barbados, Misayaka Yusuke, highlighted the relevance of the initiative to both countries, pointing to shared vulnerabilities to extreme weather.

“Japan is no stranger to typhoons—much like hurricanes—that have devastated fishing infrastructure over the years,” he said. “We’ve developed strong early warning systems and disaster response strategies. This project brings that experience to Barbados, offering technological, infrastructural, and community-level support.”

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the local dairy industry, following a recent press conference hosted by Pine Hill Dairy.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional Security; the Barbados Agricultural Society; and the Dairy and Beef Association, to address recent milk supply challenges.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Terry Bascombe, clarified government’s role in the importation of heifers to bolster milk production.

“Contrary to public perception, the government does not import products to compete with local industries. Our role is to support research, development, and strategic investments that benefit the sector,” he explained.

Mr. Bascombe detailed the process of sourcing heifers from Canada, following health concerns in Brazil and the U.S., and emphasised the importance of ensuring the animals’ suitability for Barbados’ tropical climate.

President of the Dairy and Beef Association, Patrick Butcher, provided an update on the imported heifers, noting that many are already pregnant and expected to calve by mid-2025. “This is a gradual process, but we are confident that these efforts will lead to a significant increase in milk production,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society, James Paul, spoke of the importance of improving forage quality and artificial insemination services. “We are working closely with the Ministry and other stakeholders to address these critical areas and ensure the long-term viability of the industry,” he stated.

People, Legal and Corporate Affairs Manager at Banks Holdings Limited, Lisa Ridley-Paul, spoke of the challenges faced by the industry but expressed optimism about the future. “We are seeing gradual improvements in milk supply and are committed to working with our farmers to achieve full sustainability,” she said. 

The stakeholders stressed the need for continued collaboration and public support as they work towards achieving food security and a thriving dairy industry in Barbados. (PR/GIS)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is excited to announce the introduction of digital soil scanners to the agricultural community in Barbados. This innovative technology aims to empower stakeholders such as extension officers, and farmers by providing them with essential tools to assess soil health and optimize nutrient management. 

In Barbados, the use of digital tools in agriculture is still relatively uncommon. Many farmers struggle with proper guidelines and lack effective information systems to make informed decisions regarding the timing, quantity, and type of inputs necessary for promoting plant growth and managing pests and diseases. Consequently, farmers often apply agricultural inputs incorrectly, leading to decreased yield potential, elevated production costs, and increased risks of agrochemical residues in crops. 

Recognizing these challenges, FAO’s training program sponsored by the People’s Republic of China through the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) focused on introducing digital tools. The first segment of the project consisted of drone training and the delivery of drones to equip extension officers with the capacity to map farming areas. This project is also being supported by TCP/ BAR/ 4001 “Enhancing agricultural production through more precise and efficient digital crop management systems”.

The second segment of the project focused mainly on equipping ministry officials and extension officers from the Barbados Agricultural Development Corporation (BADMC) with hands-on experience in utilizing portable digital soil scanners. These scanners generate detailed reports with data that allows for the calculation of fertilizer quantities required which enables extension officers to provide tailored recommendations to the farmers, allowing farmers to adjust their fertilization practices to the specific needs of their fields. 

This approach not only enhances crop productivity but also minimizes waste mitigates environmental impacts associated with excessive fertilizer use and benefits situations where farmers may not be giving adequate amounts of fertilizer. “Soil nutrient management is a critical component of sustainable agriculture and will greatly assist us with monitoring agricultural areas,” said Tiana Hurley a participant of the training, and extension officer with the Barbados Agricultural Development Marketing Corporation. By introducing digital soil scanners, the FAO aims to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture and the BADMC and provide them with the necessary knowledge and tools to make data-driven decisions that enhance their agricultural practices and improve their livelihoods.

The training sessions covered practical knowledge on how to effectively use the scanners to provide real-time data on the soil nutrient levels for macronutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, secondary nutrients such as calcium and magnesium and organic matter, pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) and other parameters and to interpret the data generated. Participants were exposed to a comprehensive understanding of their soil’s nutrient status, enabling them to take actionable steps toward improving soil health and agricultural productivity. The FAO is dedicated to promoting precision agriculture solutions that can be adapted to the unique needs of Barbadian farmers. The introduction of digital soil scanners is a significant step towards fostering a more sustainable and productive agricultural sector in Barbados.  (PR)