The Barbados Sheep Farmers Inc. is a commodity group of the Barbados Agricultural Society and is the successor to the Barbados Sheep Farmers Association.

The main objectives of the BSFI are as follows:

• To promote and develop the INDUSTRY as a viable commercial industry to the economic benefits of its members.
• To encourage its members in the highest levels of production and to set standards where necessary to enhance the reliability of the product or products on the local or export market.
• To work towards the planned production of the commodity and cooperating in it#8217s costing and marketing with any Government agency or other corporate body wherever possible.
• To be an active member of the Barbados Agricultural Society along with any other agricultural producer groups who believe in united action in establishing policy decisions and in speaking to government.
• To seek cooperation from and offer advice to the Ministry of Agriculture on matters pertaining to the development of the Association.
• To participate in and assist with the organization of agricultural shows, exhibitions and demonstrations in association with other producer groups.
• To maintain records of actual and planned production so as to assist members in the overall development of their farm enterprises.
• Generally to perform whatever functions that are necessary for the economic good and satisfaction of the industry.

There are additional benefits, which a sheep farmer can enjoy as a result of membership of the Association. The current fee for membership is $25 per year. Farmers have exposure to a range of educational and developmental seminars and workshops that the Association conducts in collaboration with the Barbados Agricultural Society. Moreover, members get to voice their concerns as an integrated group, as opposed to presenting individualistic concerns that may appear to be less important due to the number of people affected. Consequently, the ability of the industry to lobby politicians and other interests to provide greater opportunities for the industry is greatly enhanced.

The growth in popularity of the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep and the subsequent demand for the product has forced the BAS to address the issue of speedier meat production than currently obtains. This led to the setting up of the Cousin Hill Feed Lot.

The BSFI has a Board of Directors comprising the President, Vice President and five Board Members, the total number of members on the Board being seven. The Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) is the Secretariat for the Association and is the headquarters for its operations.