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Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management, Dr. David Estwick (left), in discussion with David Foster of Pinnacle Foods (centre) and James Paul of the Barbados Agricultural Society during a tour of Agrofest. (A. Skeete/BGIS)

Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management, Dr. David Estwick, believes the future of the local agricultural sector will be heavily dependent on the introduction of new techniques and technologies.

Speaking with regard to the theme for this year’s Agrofest – Renewable Energy: Powering Agriculture to Success, he said the creation and development of synergies such as the use of renewable energy technology and recycling techniques could go a long way in boosting agriculture in Barbados.

Dr. Estwick was speaking yesterday during a tour of Agrofest in Queen’s Park, the City.

"Where in the past we would be heavily dependent on fossil fuels and electricity to drive agriculture…nowadays we can go solar or we can use wind. You can drive your irrigation system or pumps by solar or wind… So, we are hoping this particular exercise would help persons to understand those relationships and the immense value to agriculture to all sectors of the economy," the Agriculture Minister pointed out.

Dr. Estwick added that his Ministry would continue its efforts to encourage more youth to get involved in the sector, however, he explained that this involved changing the public perception of agriculture.

"Modern agriculture is a scientific endeavour, so they [young persons] must not see agriculture as just a hoe and fork but now you can talk about the high tech development of agricultural products, biotechnology, hydroponics and agrophonics, the development of bio medical products, making cosmetics…there is so much more to agriculture," Dr. Estwick concluded.

andre.skeete@barbados.gov.bb

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