Representative of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, Joseph Peltier (left) points out the varieties of plants in the greenhouse to Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Patrick Todd (second from left), and Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Haynesley Benn (far right). Also pictured is Coordinator of the Greenhouse project at Harrison College, Mr. Brathwaite.
“Greenhouse farming has many benefits and is a growing practice worldwide.”
Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Patrick Todd acknowledged this today as he praised students and teachers of Harrison College (HC) on the opening of their first Greenhouse.
He explained: “Farmers have observed that yields from greenhouse farming are four to ten times higher than those of field farmers. They have also admitted that crops are of [a] better quality since they are shielded from winds and rains which can give rise to blemishes on vegetables.”
The Minister of State also commended the school for, “choosing to include this practical application to your Integrated Science programme in the form of Greenhouse farming.”
And, Minister Todd added: “I understand that you have plans to integrate this agricultural component in areas. In this regard, your efforts to allow students from the Business Studies Department to assist with the selling of produce grown in the Greenhouse, and to provide opportunities for the students of the Foreign Language Department to create cultural dishes using the locally grown foods are highly commendable.”
The Minister noted further that the establishment of the greenhouse was, “in keeping with the agricultural policies of the Government of Barbados and its commitment to providing support for any viable agricultural activity.”
He explained: “These policies reinforce agricultural production as a valuable contribution to food security in Barbados, and as a provider of healthy foods, which are necessary to combat obesity and other life-style diseases.”
Stating that the Greenhouse farming activity would prepare students for personal and societal sustainability, he also urged the school to initiate a 4-H club. “Such a club will further promote wider use of the Greenhouse,” said Minister Todd.
The Green-house project at Harrison College was funded by the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development and supported by the principal, Board of Management and staff of Harrison College, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture.