For Immediate Release
Bahamas Information Services

Greenhouses for North Andros farmers

February 25, 2010

Two modern 4,200 square feet greenhouses have been ordered for farmers in North Andros, Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC), Executive Chairman, Edison M Key confirmed. Coming out of Jamaica, they will be erected on two acres at the site of the proposed agri-industrial park. “This could be the beginning of a new era in the sense of training for persons interested in grafting and budding and the propagation of especially fruit trees,” said Mr Key.

“This will help to support the facilities that we are putting in place to assist the farmers with their land preparation. “Hopefully, within the next three to four months, we would have that well underway.” Mr Key and his executive team toured the site last weekend and visited farmers remaining at the former BARTAD Satellite Farm system. Accompanying him were General Manager Benjamin Rahming, Assistant General Manager (agriculture) Arnold Dorsett, Domestic Investment Officer Alphonso Smith and Agriculture Services Officer Ayrett Lightbourne.

Mr Key sees the greenhouses as a means of speeding up production, thereby allowing farmers a wider range of opportunities. “They can be a big support in the production of seedlings…in that we grow the plants in the greenhouses and they can be planted directly into the fields,” he explained. Presently there are two functional greenhouse operations in The Bahamas – the high-end Lucayan Tropical and Ridgefarms. Assistant general manager, Mr Dosett, said the system for North Andros is a proto-type. It will eventually be leased to qualified persons.

“Hopefully, we would see more farmers, having gone through the training and having seen the advantages of greenhouses, purchasing their own systems, thereby increasing production further,” he said. In welcoming the prospects of greenhouse farming to North Andros, domestic investment officer, Mr Smith, noted that this has been one of the better seasons for farmers. “Farmers have done exceptionally well due in no small measure to the trust that BAIC has placed in farmers at North Andros,” he said. “They have assisted them with fertilizers, equipment, and the necessary chemicals. BAIC has done a lot for the farmers and that has helped them to produce a lot this year.”

Mr Key is also eyeing opportunities for some 1,600 acres at the BARTAD site “that is just sitting idle. It is land that has been prepared; beautiful land and beautiful soil for food production, plants of all types, and small ruminants.” Already BAIC has prepared pastures and provided top-breed goats for persons at BARTAD interested livestock production. “We are making some progress and I am very pleased,” said Mr Key. “There has been an increase in production. More land has been prepared for the people and they are expanding their fields.”