(FP)

A project encouraging Barbadians and others to grow healthy foods and eat what they produce has been initiated by the Rural Development Commission (RDC).

Known as the Grow What You Eat Programme, it was launched at this year’s Agrofest. Acting Director of the RDC, Annette Clarke, stated afterwards that its origins were based on the high incidence of non-communicable diseases here and the fact that Barbados spent a lot of money treating these diseases at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

She was speaking following a tour of Agrofest on Sunday, by Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman, which was attended by RDC officials and media representatives.

Explaining the concept, Ms. Clarke said those with land could use that space for growing and those without would be shown by the RDC a variety of methods to grow their produce, including how to use containers, tyres and old washing machines.

“This is something the RDC is encouraging the whole of Barbados to do, especially in the rural areas,” Ms. Clarke stated, while stressing the programme would target schools, community groups, churches and just about everywhere in Barbados.

“If you want to grow at least one item, it would help towards the food security of the island and also help to reduce our import bill,” the Acting Director added.

Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer with the RDC, Wendy Burke, said the Commission would also be working with non-governmental organisations, as well as holding town hall meetings and disseminating information on the programme.

joy-ann.gill@barbados.gov.bb

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