If Barbados is to achieve continued development, especially in these current economic times, then there must be more focus on agriculture.

This appeal has come from Minister of Agriculture, Senator Haynesley Benn, who reiterated his call that agriculture was still a worthwhile venture to get involved in.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Seventh Anniversary of the Annual St. Peter’s Festival, Senator Benn asserted that the age-old adage that "agriculture is the backbone of the economy" is just as apt now, as it was then.

He told the gathering that it was his "hope" that younger persons should embark on a programme of sustainable agriculture, such as producing food that is healthy for consumers and animals. However, the Minister warned that the programme should not harm the environment, should be humane for workers and supported and enhanced rural communities.

"Young people, you must take the mantle of continuing to produce food that is wholesome but, at the same time, leaving the environment safe for the future generations of this parish.??

Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs," he charged.

The Minister also added that plans were afoot to implement a Greenhouse project at the Home Agricultural Station in St. Philip, aimed at targeting a select number of youth in this country.

"As Minister of Agriculture, I am recommending that some of the budding agriculturalists seek to become enrolled in this pilot project with a view of transferring the knowledge which is to be garnered to other like-minded persons," he advised.

The festival culminates on Sunday, June 28.

tblackman@barbados.gov.bb

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