A timely donation to the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) from Massy Barbados will aid the former in executing its Community Agricultural Response and Empowerment (CARE) Project.
This was the sentiment expressed recently by Agricultural Services Division Manager, Dr. Jamekal Andwele, as he thanked Massy Barbados for the donation of a range of inputs and materials to the CARE Project, at the Division’s headquarters, at Fairy Valley, Christ Church.
Dr. Andwele noted that the project seeks to encourage the development of community gardens and backyard farming across the island, with the objective of promoting household food security and Massy Barbados’ Farm & Garden Shop was in alignment with these goals.
Dr. Andwele encouraged the public to visit the BADMC’s website at www.badmc.org, and to also sign up for the Farmers’ Empowerment and Enfranchisement Drive Programme, which is aimed at reducing agricultural imports into the island.
He also outlined the process for applying to both programmes on the website: “Once you fill out the forms, hit submit, those application forms come directly to the team here at the BADMC. We will record your data and then we reach out to you in terms of what type of support you’re looking for.
“Different farmers have different needs; some may be looking for inputs, some… just for some seeds or plant material. Some may be looking for just land cultivation, or looking for some baby chicks,” he stated.
Other persons in attendance were Massy’s Brand Manager, Janelle Fletcher; Technical Field Officer, Jason Craigg; Supervisor, Farm & Garden Shop, Darrio Cumberbatch and BADMC’s CEO (Ag), Frederick Inniss and Extension Officer, Davon Brome.
The BADMC was established by a legislative Act (Cap. 254) in 1993. Its mandate is to develop and support Barbadian crops, livestock, agricultural production and agro-processing.