Leslie V. Richardson
There is growing interest in farming in Anguilla as was demonstrated by the Open Day and Agricultural Exhibition held on the grounds of the Department of Agriculture in association with the National Farmers’ Association on Saturday, March 9.
The theme of the event was: “Grow what you eat and eat what you grow”.
Backyard and field farmers turned up in appreciable numbers to exhibit their produce both in quantity and quality. The various stalls attracted instant purchases by many persons who opted to do their shopping at the exhibition for fresh local vegetables rather than at the supermarkets for the imported produce.
Mr. Kenneth Hodge, Principal Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, responsible for Agriculture, chaired the opening ceremony.He made reference to a renewed interest in farming in Anguilla occasioned by the decline in the economy as was pointed out in a recent research paper by Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Patrick Vanterpool.
Vice President of the Farmers’ Association, Rev. Dr. S. W. Hodge, said its task was to encourage Anguillians, resident on the island, “to use whatever means they can, to help grow the food to feed this island.” He continued: “We have worked in cooperation with the Agricultural Department, or they have worked in cooperation with us, and they have provided some very helpful ways in which they can help us to improve what we grow.”
In considering the abundance of the displays, Rev. Hodge told the spectators: “As you walk around,you will realise that Anguilla can grow a lot of what you eat and what we eat can be grown in Anguilla…We are hoping that more and more Anguillians – and those resident among us – will use the means available through the Agricultural Department to grow even more food for this island.”
The main address was delivered by the recently-appointed Minister of Home Affairs, Jerome Roberts, who declared open the exhibition. The main portion of his address was as follows:
“The Government of Anguilla’s main goal for the agricultural sector, which comprises crops, livestock and fishing, continues to be the creation of a more food-secure nation. In this regard the Ministry of Home Affairs, which has responsibility for Agriculture, is committed to long-term food security. We continue to address the needs of our farmers and deliver realistic and attractive foreign exchange which can directly impact on our food import bill.
“Agriculture is now seen as a real contributor to the diversification of our economy. The agricultural sector represents a viable career option for our population particularly the youth. Increased local agricultural production means retention of valuable foreign exchange which can directly impact on our food import bill.
“Your mandate as farmers is to grow local and make available to our citizens quality food that is safe and nutritious while affordable. Your mandate as farmers is to grow produce in sufficient quantities using modern, economically and environmentally safe methods to ensure our food, health and nutrition security. I dare say that in doing all of this, you will also provide for yourself an attractive and profitable livelihood which benefits us all.
“It is imperative that we produce more of our food in a sustainable manner so that we can secure our future. We must strengthen our agricultural sector. Agriculture’s contribution to GDP is just over 2.1%. This means that we rely heavily on external sources for most of our food supply. This must be significantly reduced as a matter of urgency. We need to see a significant increase in GDP for this sector.
“In a recent study conducted by our own Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Patrick Vanterpool, it was noted that presently the island is faced with a huge food bill with vegetables, fruits, fish and meats alone amounting to just over thirty-five million EC dollars per annum.
“Food security is a cross – cutting issue and while my Ministry is taking the leading role, we will partner with other relevant ministries, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and civil society, for its successful implementation.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the staff of the Department of Agriculture and the National Farmers’ Association, for the considerable time and effort put into organizing this Open Day and Exhibition. The evidence of their commitment is displayed here today. They must be commended. I invite all of you to take some time to tour the facilities and show your support for local food production.”
Mr. Roberts thanked his predecessor, Mr. Walcott Richardson, “for his sterling efforts as Minister of Agriculture over the past three years.” He added that Mr. Richardson had laid a foundation which he was happy to continue and build on.
The Open Day and Agricultural Exhibition had the following as its aims: “Create greater awareness of what is happening in agriculture; encourage more persons to get involved in agriculture; encourage persons to eat more of what is grown locally and grow more of what they eat; and give the public a greater insight into what goes on at the Department of Agriculture.”
Throughout the hours of the event, spectators and farmers alike were entertained by the Jolly Boys’ String Band from St. Martin; a mixed string band from Anguilla and the Anguilla Time String Band.
