| ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SOCIETY |
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Achievements of the Society Over the last five years the BAS has worked on a number of successful projects. One such project is the Pig Improvement Program. This program is a joint venture between the Barbados Agricultural Society, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Barbados Association of Pig Farmers. The main objective of the Project is to improve the productivity of pig farmers by identifying selected sows that meet certain defined criteria. These sows are artificially inseminated utilising imported semen derived from boars with superior genetic traits. One of the benefits of this process is that ‘superior’ genetics from pedigree stock can be spread over a large number of deserving animals in a shorter space of time, thus allowing for greater productivity. The BAS marketing program with Supercentre, one of the leading supermarkets in the country has been considered a model that should be adopted and used more frequently by other supermarkets, hotels and generally most institutions that demand local produce for their functioning. Generally speaking, members of the Fruit & Vegetable Growers Associations have the opportunity to market their produce through the BAS to the Supercentre group of supermarkets. This program has benefited the farmers significantly in the sense that they can concentrate on the actual production of crops without the headache of worrying about a market. Moreover the program has been developed in such a way that the Supercentre chain now take produce mainly from farmers who have marketed their produce through the BAS; thus allowing for more control, and greater price stability. Furthermore, it has helped in reducing the number of products that are marketed by person who are indulging in praedial larceny (theft of agricultural commodities from farms). It is therefore felt that this is a model that should be adopted island wide in an attempt to further protect our farmers and consumers alike. Remodeling and the Way Forward/New Strategies In recent times the BAS has sought to remodel its operations and re-brand its name and focus. The BAS is now on a continuous path of striving for excellence in servicing the Barbadian farming community. Today, the BAS is more than ever concerned with issues pertaining to food safety and food security. As a result, the Association has sought to retain the skills of professional and experience staff, that is prepared to develop new skills as the need arises to ensure that the farmers’ interest in Barbados is represented in a professional and efficient manner. In this regard the BAS has called on the support of the farming community and more so our members to come forth and assist in our data collection drives. The collection and presentation of data is one of the most vital instruments that the Association uses in its attempts to make representations on various issues to the Government and other key institutions, such as funding agencies. Very often the BAS has to prove to these organisations that the issues that we are presenting are indeed meritorious; this can only be done with the information that we receive from the farming community. Significance of Agrofest The National Agricultural Exhibition, Agrofest, seeks to portray Barbados’ Agriculture at its best. The exhibition gives Barbadians an opportunity to understand what agriculture in Barbados is all about and how it impacts on every individual residing in this country. Furthermore, it demonstrates the linkages that the agricultural sector has with the various sub sectors that make up our economy. Agrofest seeks to portray agriculture in a fun and interesting manner, and to educate the public. Each year, the exhibition attempts to demonstrate to the young members of our society the viable career opportunities available in the agricultural sector. By extension Agrofest is an opportunity for Barbadian farmers to display to all patrons with pride and creativity all of their hard work trying to ensure a future secure of locally produced food. |