BASSETERRE St. Kitts, January 22nd, 2014 -- Agriculture, Mr. Mackie Tross became yet another successful, SIDF, SEED-funded Business Owner, as he launched, A-1 Farms, an innovative Hydroponics Project. The ceremony was held on Thursday January 16th, at Hard Times, Gingerland, where the facility is located.
In giving brief remarks, Mr. Tross registered his gratitude to SIDF for not only the funding but also for the training and professional support that he has benefited from as an Incubatee of the SEED Program.
Mr. Tross noted that with hydroponics technology, A-1 Farms will produce the highest quality fruits and vegetables, with unbelievable yields. For example, he explained that the tomato trees would grow up to 40 feet in height/length, producing 500 lbs of tomatoes and 300 lbs of assorted peppers per week. This revelation evoked several “wows” from the 40-plus audience.
Speaking on behalf of SIDF, Mrs. Delcia Bradley-King, Corporate Affairs Executive, underscored that with each new SEED business, SIDF continues to experience a feeling of pride as its global objectives of helping Entrepreneurs to realize their dreams, whilst contributing to Nation-building, are being accomplished. Mrs. Bradley complimented Mr. Tross for his focus and determination and charged him with delivering high operational standards.
She also underscored the fact that a project such as A-1 Farms had created several other employment opportunities for other small businesses such as excavators, contractors, shipping agencies, etc. She also noted that with its capacity to produce such quantities weekly, A-1 Farms would not only boost local production but help to decrease economic leakage due to fruit and vegetable importation.
Also on hand to witness the opening was the Hon. Alexis Jeffers, Minister in the Nevis Island Administration, (NIA), with responsibility for Agriculture. Amongst the many praises that he bestowed on Mr. Tross, he specifically noted the NIA will be closely monitoring A-1 Farms, using it as a prototype for other farmers in Nevis.
Spiritual blessings were introduced by Reverend Richardson, after which, Mr. Tross and Mrs. Delcia Bradley cut the ceremonial ribbon and planted the first tomato seedling.
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