Wednesday, February 11 – Farmers’ Week celebrations are progressing successfully as residents continue to turn out in the hundreds to support the activities.
At agricultural exhibitions on Jost Van Dyke and Anegada, Premier Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Hon. Omar W. Hodge expressed their satisfaction with the numbers that came out in support of the events.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Friday, Hon. Hodge encouraged everyone to catch what he termed “agricultural fever” and reiterated that Government is moving forward with plans to improve the agriculture industry and its contribution to the local economy.
Hon. Hodge also encouraged the farmers to be a part of the soon to be implemented technology but said that there will still be a place for the traditional ways of farming.
“What we are seeing here today, is the old order of Agriculture. We are now bringing in the new order, but the new order hinges on the old order, agriculturally,” said Hon. Hodge.
During the opening ceremony on Friday, the Premier acknowledged the work of stalwart farmers who continue to till the soil to ensure the availability of fresh produce in the Territory.
The Premier also noted the foresight demonstrated in this year’s theme, “Self-Sufficiency through Technology” submitted by the Cedar International School as part of the Farmers’ Week Primary School Theme Competition.
He explained the public’s role in ensuring that agriculture becomes the third economic pillar of the Virgin Islands economy.
“While the ministry helps make it possible for the farmers to produce more and improve quality, it is essential that you the general public support the endeavour by buying local. That is your role in this partnership, to buy and consume what we grow,” the Premier said.
In his remarks, Chief Agricultural Officer Mr. Bevin Brathwaite reminded all of the changes required to move forward on the journey to self-sufficiency. “It will require a new mindset, new trends and new skills along with strong financial backing to drive the industry. The time is now; let us employ new technologies and be prescient about our actions on the future of agriculture and food security in our changing world,” the Chief Agricultural Officer said.
Farmers’ Week continues on Thursday February 12, with an agricultural exhibition on Virgin Gorda at 10:00 a.m. Speedy’s Ferry will depart the Road Town Jetty at 9:00 a.m. On Friday February 13, Farmers’ Week will end with a Grand Food Fair and Closing Ceremony at the Palm Groove Park starting at 10:00 a.m.
Farmers Week was first observed in 1992 under the theme “Eat Local, Grow Local.” Each year the department uses the week to highlight this vital industry and the hard work of local farmers.
British Virgin Islands News