IICA BARBADOS COURIER Issue # 3

IICA Barbados
COURIER

December 2012

3rd Edition featuring our Protected Agriculture Project

A PUBLICATION OF THE IICA OFFICE IN BARBADOS IN THIS ISSUE – SEP TO DEC

Article Page

Twenty Million Ways Twenty Million Ways 1

by Jean Lowry Protected Agriculture – Where Are We

Now? 2–3
Season’s Greetings! My name is Jean Lowry Yikes, they sound like a whole bunch of
and I want to take this opportunity to say grumpy Wanted: Agrotourism Drivers 4
thank you all for your warm welcome to old
Barbados. I’ve met some amazing people aunties! Barbados Agri-news 5
here already and fully expect to continue
making new friends and contacts in the New Climate Change Guest Column 5
Year.
Food Safety Tips for the Holidays
Coming in as the new Representative has had 6
its challenges, most of them courtesy of
Hurricane Sandy, who had her own plans Baobab Tower – Our Place 7
with respect to my shipment. I am happy to
say that it has finally arrived and I will be fully
settled by Christmas.

I am getting to know my IICA Barbados team

and feel exceptionally blessed by their
talents and dedication. I am positive that
with their support you will see some new and
exciting things happening here. I am
passionate about finding opportunities to Wishing you a joyous Christmas and all
empower youth and women so you can fully the best for the New Year!
expect me to look for twenty million ways to
create the projects that can potentially help Jean Lowry
these two groups.
IICA Representative, Barbados
Barbados is a beautiful and fascinating place
and I have so much to see and explore. I also
have many questions, the first of which is,
‘what’s up with the parrots squawking at 6:30
in the morning?
IICA BARBADOS COURIER | Issue # 3
Protected Agriculture –
Where Are We Now?
by Damien Hinds
Protected Agriculture (PA) systems have
been utilised in Barbados for several
decades, predominantly by floriculturalists
and other ornamental horticulturalists in the
production of high valued, exotic plants and
flowers (e.g. orchids and anthuriums).
Additionally such systems were employed by
producers of a variety of common fruit and
vegetable seedlings to be later transplanted
for open field cultivation.
Within the past decade Barbados has
realized a changing demographic where
agricultural land is being sacrificed for
residential, industrial and social uses. There
is a recognizable changing climate where
there are more intense periods of rainfall and
drought.
In a quest to modernise production systems,
to improve efficiencies and to stimulate
interest among youth in the sector, PA
emerged as a central theme to the
repositioning of the sector in Barbados.
Research indicated that several of the crop
varieties commonly grown in the open-field
in Barbados had shown improved yields
when grown using PA systems. The results
showed that it was now possible to grow
speciality, high valued commodities.
Consequently, in 2001 the Ministry of
Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water
Resource Management (MAFFW) issued a
slate of incentives targeting registered
farmers interested in adopting the
technology. Interestingly, during the
intervening period we have witnessed
increasing food prices and so PA systems are
part of the national strategy to improve
Barbados’ food security.
Approximately a decade after the
introduction of these incentives, IICA
Barbados, through consultation with the
MAFFW embarked on a project to support
the MAFFW in conducting an assessment of
the PA sub-sector. The objective was to
address issues such as lack of sustainability
and limited adoption of PA technologies by
the registered farmers in Barbados, and to
promote the commercial production of fruits
and vegetables with the use of low-cost,
tropically adapted and storm resistant, PA
technology.
In response IICA, with the support
of students from the McGill University
conducted an assessment of the PA sub-
sector which included an analysis of the
producers and systems as well as the
institutional framework which supports the
PA sub-sector namely the markets, the input
suppliers and the government’s technical,
policy and financial support. Here are the
main findings of the assessment:
Immediately following the assessment, and
in response to the some of the issues raised
by the producers and other stakeholders,
IICA hosted a troubleshooting workshop on
the 13-15 November to address some of the
critical technical challenges facing producers.
A mix of 25 producers, input suppliers and
research and extension officials from MAFFW
benefited from the practical guidelines
provided by experienced Jamaican PA
producer and consultant, Mr. Jervis Rowe.
He led them through the various
considerations prior to establishing a PA
System and suggested tips to the careful
management of these systems in the humid
tropics, often referring to examples in his
homeland Jamaica and from elsewhere.
Jervis led the workshop through
presentations and interactive discussion with
the participants who he encouraged to share
their positive and negative experiences. Here
are some highlights from his training:
2
1
For the tropics, orientation is not a major
factor in reducing shading effects. Simply
avoiding shade from trees and buildings
would suffice
2
Orientation is a major factor with respect
to wind direction in the tropics Attention to
this element in design and orientation
could considerably reduce the cost of the
system employed
3
Although polyethylene covers only last 2-3
years, they are by far the least expensive
option and can now be purchased with
anti-fog and anti-viral properties that
reduce problems of condensation/humidity
and pest incidences respectively.
4
Shade netting offering at least 30% shade
will reduce temperatures at low altitudes.
5
IPM approaches are best for the tropics as
there is no winter to break the cycle of the
pests. Anti-viral polyethylene plastic covers
will “blind” some insects. Traps, the use of
buffers and intercropping with plants that
are more attractive to insects, and careful
chemical treatment are the best
approaches.
6
Root fertilization is more beneficial to the
plant than foliar fertilization, which should
only be used to treat deficiencies.
IICA BARBADOS COURIER | Issue # 3 3

Apart from the technical issues as they relate

to the science of production, Jervis also
argued for the creation of an association to
lobby for policies that would lead to the
introduction of many novel innovations in
equipment, chemical inputs and crop
varieties, as well as to share knowledge on
each other performance and to collectively
target markets.

The workshop also featured a presentation

on Cost of Production Modelling delivered McGill students present their findings
by Mr. Edric Harry, Policy Specialist from the
IICA Trinidad Office who walked the
participants through a simulation on how to
break down their cost over the production of
particular varieties grown under PA systems.

The final day of the workshop involved a field

trip to 3 PA operators in rural Barbados, for
participants to get an idea of the various
systems in operation and the challenges that
they pose. Jervis was on hand to respond to
queries observed in the field and was able to
reinforce what was explained during the
workshop.
Jervis Rowe captivates his audience
The workshop evaluation revealed that the
training hit its mark with all participants who
expressed great satisfaction that they had
come away better prepared to face their
challenges as producers, as well as a greater
understanding by the input suppliers and
government officials of the requirements of
the PA producers.

There was also consensus among those

participants in the workshop that an
association of PA producers to share costs
and information with each other as well as to
strengthen dialogue with the government,
markets, research institutions and other
stakeholders was the answer to addressing
PA producers, government officials, and
many of the challenges which they
collectively share.
input suppliers

At the end of it all there seems to be a

renewed enthusiasm for PA systems in
Barbados with the focus on reducing the cost
of structures and paying greater attention to
the adaptability of the these systems to the
hot, humid tropics.

Let’s see where this enthusiasm will take

us over the next decade!

On tour at Hydro Grow Farm Jervis examining sweet peppers with PA

producers Clyde Gibson and Chris Ward
IICA BARBADOS COURIER | Issue # 3
Wanted: Agrotourism Drivers
Only motivated persons need apply
by Roxanne Waithe
Agrotourism is not new; the real question is
how we can benefit from it NOW. Once upon
a time farmers served as inn-keepers
allowing people to stay a night or two on
their properties while in transit to another
place or just for the sake of a change of pace
for the harassed, hard-working individual.
Every rural village or community has their
‘bush healer’ who knows all the secrets about
how to use local plants for curing ailments
and for promoting good health. People from
out of town hear about them and seek their
potions too.
Community based markets and festivals
featuring fresh produce, herbs and other
processed foods like jams, jellies and baked
goods are not uncommon in Caribbean and
Latin American countries. We have been
engaging in agrotourism activity for years.
Tourism Economy
In Barbados we have turned away from sugar
and agriculture and instead depend heavily
on tourism as our major income earner. One
of the effects of this economic policy is that
the country has developed an ‘import
culture’. Hotels and restaurants go out of
their way to ensure that visitors have access
to the same kind of food that they are used
to at home. The fallout is that Bajans have
developed a taste for foreign foods
oftentimes choosing imported items over
fresh home-grown items.
To put things into perspective I share a quote
from a speech made by Dr. Chelston
Brathwaite, Chairman of the Barbados
National Agricultural Committee at the
launch of the site for the centre for
agricultural innovation, research and training
on 17th September 2012.
“I did some analysis of import statistics and
realized that Jamaica imports US$900 million
worth of food every year and they have a
population of approximately 3 million people.
Barbados has a population of just over
250,000, we receive about 500,000 tourists
every year, and our food import bill is US$700
million. That makes us three times more food
insecure than Jamaica!”
Investment Opportunities
The reality is that investment opportunities
in agrotourism are embodied in the huge
potential for trade in FOOD. We may not be
able to produce enough food in Barbados to
feed our locals AND tourists but we can
certainly do more to increase our earnings
from the agri-food trade.
Public and private sector investments can
enable our agriculture sector to meet
domestic demands for fresh produce and
other value-added products, including
packaged and graded produce, processed
mixed vegetables and increased exports, as
well as provide greater support to the agro
processing industry. There is also some
potential for the development of new sites
and attractions and projects linking the rural
and agri-food sector with tourism.
Does Agrotourism Work?
With regard to the status of agrotourism in
the Caribbean, our research shows that
linkages between the food production sector
and tourism are as low as 10-30% for several
destinations. On the other hand, for some
products and for specific market niches such
as small hotels, local restaurants and
caterers, and larger hotels with a “Green”
focus, the linkages are as high as 70-90%.
Some work has also commenced on regional
value chains for commodities (including hot
pepper, ackee, papaya and root crops) with
potential for trade to both fresh and
processed food including Specialty Food
markets.
So far we also have some commendable and
successful agrotourism initiatives including
culinary events, nature and agriculture-based
accommodation, tours and attractions;
health and wellness service and product
offerings; and agro-heritage sites and
attractions. Noteworthy among these are
Taste T&T, Jamaica’s Calendar of Food
Festivals; plantation tours featuring cocoa,
coffee, sugar cane and rum; rural trails and
“Rutas” in Latin America, and natural health
and beauty products utilizing cerasee,
ginger, crabwood oil, organic coffee, cocoa,
casareep, cassava, noni, and aloe.
Drivers Wanted
But who will drive this process in Barbados,
the dwindling and aging farmer population?
Many of our local farmers have regular day
jobs to supplement their farming income.
They are already challenged to produce more
food with fewer resources and increasing
4
costs. Can community-based organizations
lead the way? Apart from the well-
established and organized agricultural
communities such as Oistins, Christ Church
and Martins Bay in St. John, people in other
rural districts simply do not have the human
capacity, financial resources, and political
backing to embark on sustainable ventures.
They need technical support, a supporting
policy framework and mentorship.
What about public sector agents? The
National Agrotourism Committee is
comprised of the key ministries, agriculture
and tourism. However there appears to be a
total disconnect in their respective policy
agendas and national activities for
supporting the development of agrotourism.
There is no denying that these ministries
have a major role to play in terms of
developing the policy framework to support
agrotourism through infrastructural inputs
and capacity building at the community
level.
We need participation, collaboration and
communication from people in the private
AND public sectors who understand the
benefits of developing sustainable linkages
between the agriculture and tourism sectors.
WANTED: AGROTOURISM DRIVERS.
Only motivated persons need apply.
“….Barbados has a
population of just over
250,000, we receive about
500,000 tourists every year,
and our food import bill is
US$700 million. That
makes us three times more
food insecure than
Jamaica!”
Dr. Chelston Brathwaite,
Chairman of the Barbados
National Agricultural Committee
IICA BARBADOS COURIER | Issue # 3 5

LATEST AGRI-NEWS BARBADOS

Climate Change Guest Column
by Natalie Hutchinson, The CARIBSAVE Partnership

Barbados is busy working to confront climate change on many levels. The recent
appointment of Mr. Derek Gibbs from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs to
the board of the Green Climate Fund is one aspect of our international activity, but
there is also action closer to home. The recently adopted National Climate Change
Policy aims to establish a process for adapting to the effects of climate change and
minimise greenhouse gas emissions as part of the broader sustainable development
goals of the country.

A consortium of consultants (Engain, Aether and CARIBSAVE) is currently developing

the second National Communication for the international climate change convention
that will detail the advances made in the last 10 years to reduce our vulnerability to
climate change effects and reduce emissions. It will include an inventory of emissions
and outline the future activities that would further contribute to adaptation and
emission reduction.

The boardwalk on the south coast is one excellent example of local adaptation, offering
improved protection of the coastline with additional social and economic benefits. The
IDB and EU financing of renewable energy and energy efficiency programs in buildings
is another significant initiative in an effort to reduce emissions. But there are options
Eat Bajan Day for farmers too. At the Environmental Management and Biogas on Pig Farms
Friday, October 12th 2012 was officially designated as
Eat Bajan Day. The activity was designed to sensitize Workshop in July, Ralph Farnum, Acting Chief Agricultural Officer urged farmers to
us to the importance of local agriculture and fisheries embrace renewable energy. Renewables can be used for irrigation and cooling systems
to our health and wealth and to the planet’s future. for different types of farming, thereby reducing production costs and contributing to
The campaign stressed that local food is fresher, the sustainability of the agri-business.
tastier and more nutritious. Local food travels just a
few miles from farm to fork, reducing our carbon
footprint. One caption read: “Think of a meal of
breadfruit coucou and pork stew, literally from
around the corner, compared to “English” potatoes
and New Zealand lamb, both of which travelled
thousands of miles in refrigerated containers.”

IICA Barbados Staff Corner

Each edition we introduced members of
staff in the Barbados Courier. In this
edition meet our technical officers.

Meet Damien Hinds our National

Programme Technical Officer. His focus
is on peri-urban and backyard
gardening, protected agriculture
National Cassava Feed to Food systems and Barbados Black Belly
Programme Sheep production.
Dec. 2012 - The Government of Barbados has
announced plans to introduce a new $2.5 million
project designed to control inflation caused by
imported food. Minister of Agriculture, Dr. David
Estwick, revealed that the Government was working Roxanne Waithe, is the Programme
with the Chinese to establish a National Cassava Assistant. Her thematic interests are
Feed To Food Programme, which would convert
agrotourism and climate change. She is
cassava to animal feed as well as to flour. The
Barbados Agricultural Management Company Ltd.
also a resource for training to support
and the Barbados Agricultural Development and our technical agenda.
Marketing Corporation (BADMC) have enough land
to grow around 3, 000 acres of cassava.
 IICA BARBADOS COURIER | Issue # 3
Food Safety Tips for the Holidays
by Carol Thomas
Christmas is in the air!! Can you feel the
‘Christmas Breeze’?
Parties, family dinners, picnics and other
gatherings where food is served are all part of
the holiday cheer. But the merriment can
change to misery if food makes you or others
ill.
Typical symptoms of foodborne illness are
vomiting, diarrhoea, and flu-like symptoms,
which can start anywhere from hours to days
after contaminated food or drinks are
consumed.
The symptoms usually are not long-lasting in
healthy people—a few hours or a few days—
and usually go away without medical
treatment. But foodborne illness can be severe
and even life-threatening to anyone, especially
those most at risk:
 older adults
 infants and young children
 pregnant women
 people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or any
condition that weakens their immune
system
 people who take medicines that suppress
the immune system; for example, some
medicines for rheumatoid arthritis.
Combating bacteria, viruses, parasites, and
other contaminants in our food supply should
be of high priority for everyone.
We all have a role to play, especially when it
comes to safe food-handling practices in the
home. Practicing four basic food safety
measures can help prevent foodborne illness.
(Source: FDA Consumer Update)
6
1. Clean 4. Chill
The first rule of safe food preparation in the Refrigerate foods quickly because harmful
home is to keep everything clean. bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature.
 Wash hands with warm water and soap for  Refrigerate leftovers and takeout
20 seconds before and after handling any foods—and any type of food that should
food. For children, this means the time it be refrigerated—within two hours. That
takes to sing 'Happy Birthday’ twice. includes conkies!
 Wash food contact surfaces (cutting boards,  Set your refrigerator at or below 40ºF
dishes, utensils, countertops) with hot, and the freezer at 0ºF.
soapy water after preparing each food item  Never defrost food at room
and before going on to the next item. temperature. Food can be defrosted
 Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly safely in the refrigerator, under cold
under cool running water and use a produce running water, or in the microwave.
brush to remove surface dirt. Food thawed in cold water or in the
microwave should be cooked
2. Separate immediately.
 Allow the correct amount of time to
Don't give bacteria the opportunity to spread properly thaw food. For example, a 20-
from one food to another (cross-contamination). pound turkey needs four to five days to
thaw completely when thawed in the
 Keep raw eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, and refrigerator.
their juices away from foods that won't be  Don't taste food that looks or smells
cooked. questionable. A good rule to follow is,
 Consider using one cutting board only for when in doubt, throw it out.
foods that will be cooked (such as raw meat,  Leftovers should be used within three to
poultry, and seafood) and another one for four days.
those that will not (such as raw fruits and
vegetables).
 Keep fruits and vegetables that will be
eaten raw separate from other foods such
as raw meat, poultry or seafood—and from
kitchen utensils used for those products.
3. Cook
Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high
enough internal temperature to kill harmful
bacteria.
 Colour is not a reliable indicator that the
food is properly cooked. Use a food
thermometer to make sure meat, poultry,
and fish are cooked to a safe internal
temperature. To check a turkey for safety,
insert a food thermometer into the
innermost part of the thigh and wing and
the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is
safe when the temperature reaches 165ºF.
If the turkey is stuffed, the temperature of
the stuffing should be 165ºF.
 Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling
boil when reheating.
 Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm.
When making your own eggnog or other
recipe calling for raw eggs, use pasteurized
BE SAFE AND HEALTHY THIS
shell eggs, liquid or frozen pasteurized egg HOLIDAY!
products, or powdered egg whites.
 IICA BARBADOS COURIER | Issue # 3 7

Baobab Tower - Our Place

by Roxanne Waithe

th
On the 14 November 2012, the Barbados team
celebrated IICA’s 70th Anniversary and 35 years of
service in Barbados with an Open House event. IICA
Barbados also used this opportunity to officially
open our office which is now located at the newly
constructed green building, Baobab Tower. The
technology employed in the construction of this
Welcome to IICA
building followed LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) principles.

Baobab Tower is named after the magnificent

baobab tree situated on the eastern side of the
property. It takes 15 adults joining with
outstretched arms to cover the circumference of
the tree. Historians say that the baobab tree was
brought to Barbados from Guinea in Africa over 270
years ago.

IICA has the good fortune of sharing this building

space with many of our strategic partners Jean Lowry & Carol Thomas
including: the Caribbean Development Export
Agency, the Caribbean Tourism Organization,
Barbados Statistical Services, the National
Productivity Council and CROSQ (CARICOM
Regional Organization for Standards and Quality).

We invited these and many of our other partners to

our Open House which was themed: IICA Salutes
Women & Youth in Agriculture. The event featured
an impressive display of processed foods from the
Association of Women in Agriculture (AWIA), and
guests were given a ‘technical tour’ of IICA through
interactive sessions put on by the technical team. Specially Invited Guests: Gregg Rawlins,
Ena Harvey, Francis Mc Barnette

IICA BARBADOS
COURIER
Have a Merry Christmas and a
Bright and Prosperous New Year
from the IICA Barbados Team! Baobab Tower
Warrens, St. Michael
Tel: 246.271.9210
Email: sharon.trotman@iica.int