Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Indar Weir, greets Argentina’s Ambassador to Barbados, Gustavo Martinez Pandiani, at their meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters, Graeme Hall, Christ Church. (V.Neblett/MAFS)

Barbados should soon be receiving technical assistance from Argentina in developing programmes to enhance the agriculture sector.

This was disclosed recently, during a courtesy call between Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Indar Weir, and Ambassador of Argentina, Gustavo Martinez Pandiani, at the Ministry’s headquarters, Graeme Hall, Christ Church.

Minister Weir expressed appreciation for the continued assistance and exchange of information over the years, and during the discussions identified developing root crops (cassava, sweet potato and yam), greenhouse technology, the school feeding programme and cattle rearing as possible areas for collaboration.

The two officials also discussed developing a new culture with respect to youth in agriculture in Barbados. Ambassador Pandiani, in stating that Argentina was an agricultural country, where a career in agriculture was seen as a viable one, said: “Through the use of knowledge, technology and innovation, today, agriculture is seen as a positive career option for youth in Argentina”. He assured Minister Weir that Argentina would share its experience in this area.

Other matters discussed included efforts to assist Barbados in becoming a bilingual island state; sanitary and phytosanitary measures and fish waste treatment programmes.

This year Barbados and Argentina marked 50 years of diplomatic relations, having established ties in August 1968.

sheena.forde@barbados.gov.bb

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