Farmers sign on as $84.4m crop drive begins to cut food imports

The government of Barbados has launched a significant agricultural initiative aimed at boosting local crop production by enrolling farmers in a 16-crop program, with a projected wholesale value of $84.4 million. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce the nation's reliance on food imports, which currently stand at an estimated $80 million to $100 million annually. By fostering local agriculture, Barbados hopes to enhance food security and support its farmers economically, making this initiative a pivotal step towards greater self-sufficiency and economic resilience.