Question 1: Who is a registered farmer?
Answer: A registered farmer is an individual or enterprise that is actively engaged in farming and has been issued a valid Farmer Identification Number or Card by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security.
Question 2: Who determines if a farmer qualifies?
Answer: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security (MAFS).
Question 3: Is qualification for the new rate automatic?
Answer: Qualification is not automatic. All registered farmers qualify for the new rate but they must submit the required information by completing the necessary forms with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security (MAFS). The MAFS may choose to verify their farm activity status.
Question 4: How can farmers apply for this rate change?
Answer: As per FAQ #3, all interested farmers should submit their information by completing the Agricultural Water Rate form. The form is available online via the MAFS website: agriculture.gov.bb/Resources/Forms/. Persons who are unable to apply online should visit the MAFS for assistance.
Question 5: Can forms be sent to the Barbados Water Authority (BWA)?
Answer: No. Forms should ONLY be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security, who must verify the farming activity status before the information is submitted to the BWA.
Question 6: How does the new rate apply to those persons who may be farming on residential land?
Answer: As long as the person is a registered farmer and their farming activity status is verified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security, they will be entitled to the rate.
Question 7: How can farmers who may not be familiar with the internet, apply for the new rate?
Answer: Farmers can visit the offices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security in person for assistance.
Question 8: What is the deadline for applications?
Answer: There is no deadline. There is a process following submission of the Agricultural Water Rate Form to determine eligibility and approval, so farmers should complete and submit their forms as soon as possible.
Question 9: How will the effective date of the new rate be determined?
Answer: Once the BWA receives the information from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security, the rate will be adjusted and will take effect from the next billing cycle. The BWA has the right to refuse or deny any application for the rate change should the information provided prove to be false.
Question 10: If farmers are in arrears, are they eligible for the rate?
Answer: If the farmer is in arrears, they should engage in a repayment plan with the BWA. They will still be eligible for the rate. They should contact the BWA at 434-4292 to speak to a Customer Service Representative.
Question 11: Who should farmers contact with any questions they may have about the online process?
Answer: Persons with queries should contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security at 535-5100.
Please click here to download the FAQs on the new water rate for farmers.
Ministry of Agriculture and Food and National Security
Barbados Water Authority